An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County

Overview: Celebrate Christmas with four Amish romances.

“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman

After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. Can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor?

“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller

Seth is no longer the arrogant young man who shattered Miriam's confidence and broke her heart. Will he be able to show "plain" Miriam that she is truly beautiful to him?

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron

The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples.

"Christmas Cradles"by Kelly Long

When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.

ISBN-13: 9781595548566
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 9/13/2011
Pages: 528

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD
*For a limited time ONLY, Christianbook.com is selling this collection for $4.99! (Check price before purchasing)*

My Review: "A Miracle for Miriam" by Kathleen Fuller -  This was a sweet story with a strong message. Forgiveness and self-worth are the main themes throughout this story and the author does an excellent job of getting them across. The characters are well-written and you can really see the changes in them in such a short story. Overall, I enjoyed this novella and will definitely read more by Kathleen!

"A Choice to Forgive" by Beth Wiseman -  This book is all about forgiveness. Beth Wiseman does a fantastic job of weaving forgiveness throughout the entire story. Daniel and Lydia are great characters with a heavy past to overcome. I enjoyed the stories and the obstacles the author put in their places for them to overcome. It kept the story moving in a swift pace. Overall, it was well written story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

"One Child" by Barbara Cameron - What a powerful novella that shows how God really does work in mysterious ways. David and Sarah are grieving. On Christmas night, a stranger knocks on their door seeking shelter for him and his pregnant wife. Both families, in their own ways, help comfort and support each other. This was an excellent book and I will definitely be reading more by Barbara Cameron!

"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -  Do you believe in love at first sight? This is a heartwarming novella about second chances, overcoming shame, and accepting the gift the Lord has given. I enjoyed the sparks and attraction between Asa and Anna. The description of the storm made me want to cozy up with a blanket by the fire. I think this was my favorite story of the four.

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection of novellas and I look forward to reading An Amish Second Christmas soon!

About the Authors: Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporariesset in small Texas towns.Both have received glowing reviews.Beth's highly-anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story. Website: www.bethwiseman.com Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Website: www.kathleenfuller.com Twitter: @TheKatJam Facebook: Author Kathleen Fuller

Kelly Long is the author of the Patch of Heaven series and the historical Amish Arms of Love. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for twenty-six years and enjoys life with her husband, children, and Bichon.

Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart. Her Amish stories are inspired by her visits to Lancaster Co., PA.

Weekend Wrap Up (Dec.5) - Month In Review (November)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

 

5th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop Winner: 

KAREN G.*

*winner has claimed their prize.

 

What I've Read:

 

Reviews Posted: 

Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

Silent Night by Colleen Coble

The Power of a Praying Wife: His Wife

The Power of a Praying Wife: His Work

What I'm Currently Reading: 

  

What's Up Next: 

 

November Wrap Up: 

Silent Night: A Rock Harbor Christmas Novella by Colleen Coble

Overview: As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.
 

Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.

As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.

Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

ISBN-13: 9781401689322
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 11/20/2012
Series:Rock Harbor Series
Sold by: THOMAS NELSON
Format: eBook
Pages: 141

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

 

My Review: As you all know, Colleen Coble is one of my all time favorite authors. Her books continue to captivate me and pull me in. The Rock Harbor series is one of my favorites, so imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered this gem of a novella! I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting my friends Kade and Bree from Rock Harbor. As always, the suspense and mystery were very well written and kept me turning the pages and wanting more. If you're looking for a short mystery/suspense with a happy ending, this is your book!

 

About the Author: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

 Connect with Colleen: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

Book Description: Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his seventeen year old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious fifteen-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of become involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When 84-year-old Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet's families at last discover a love without end.

ISBN-13: 9781401687670
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 11/18/2014
Series:A Kings Meadow Romance, #1
Pages: 320

Buy It:  B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: This was such a sweet story of love and hope. As an added bonus, the author included a story within a story! (I love when authors do that!). Not only do we get to follow the lives and romance between Chet and Kimberly and their families, but we also get to learn more about Nana Anna. Anna's story definitely kept me interested when I felt Chet and Kimberly's story was moving a bit slow. 

Kimberly and Chet are both adults from a broken family. Kimberly is a widow with a teenage girl. Chet is a divorcee with two teenage sons. Their lives couldn't be more different. However, as they begin to work together, the attraction becomes palpable. It was interesting to watch both Chet and Kimberly get over their past to embrace the future God had for them.

The message of the story was clear. God loves us with "a love without end." Once we embrace that love, it's easy for us to portray that into our own lives. In fact, that's what God wants. He wants us to surrender to Him and His will for our lives. Watching Kimberly learn to master her fear of horses was the author's way of portraying her getting over her fear and surrendering to God. 

Overall, this was a sweet story of "a love without end." (pun intended!)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookLook blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Bestselling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 60 novels.

Water Your Faith Wednesday: The Power of a Praying Wife (Part 2)

Hello everyone! Welcome to "Water Your Faith" Wednesday! How do you feel after spending your Sunday at church praising and worshiping our Lord? I know I feel great! I start my week fired up and ready to face what's in store. Oftentimes, however, by Wednesday, life begins to drag me down. My goal is provide a way to overcome the spiritual doldrums with encouraging words, scriptures, devotions, songs, etc. Let me know what you think!

 

  Week 1, the introduction: The Power.

Week 2, His Wife. 

 

Today, we are continuing our devotions with the second chapter in The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian: His Work. 

 

"Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands." - Psalm 90:17

 

My Thoughts: This a relatively short chapter (pg. 45-50) with a powerful message. Men identify their self-worth mainly through their jobs. As a result of that, they either work too much or too little. Our job, as their wives, is to pray they find the balance. We have to help them realize that neither extreme will give them what they ultimately want to achieve, happiness and fulfillment; "only a perfect balance between the two, which God can help a man find, will ever bring that quality of life." (pg. 46) By praying for our husbands to find a job that allows them to use the gifts God has given them, we are helping them find happiness and fulfillment in their lives and overcoming the fear that that will never be valuable enough in man's eyes.

Weekend Wrap Up (Nov. 28)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

Current Giveaway: 

5th Annual Gratitude Giveaway Hop
(Click on the link to be taken to the giveaway page. Entries on this post will not be counted)
Ends November 30 at Midnight!


EBook Giveaway of Torn Asunder by Alana Terry
(Click on the link to be taken to the giveaway page. Entries on this post will not be counted.)

Ends November 30 at Midnight!

 

What I've Read: 

 

 

Reviews Posted: 

Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate

 

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

 

What's Up Next: 

Water Your Faith Wednesday: The Power of a Praying Wife (Part 1)

Hello everyone! Welcome to "Water Your Faith" Wednesday! How do you feel after spending your Sunday at church praising and worshiping our Lord? I know I feel great! I start my week fired up and ready to face what's in store. Oftentimes, however, by Wednesday, life begins to drag me down. My goal is provide a way to overcome the spiritual doldrums with encouraging words, scriptures, devotions, songs, etc. Let me know what you think!

 

(See the Week 1, the introduction: The Power). 

 

Today, we are continuing our devotions with the first chapter in The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian: His Wife.
"Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." - Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJV (pg. 44)

I picked this "power verse" because I think it sums up well what the chapter is about. The most painful part of this chapter was admitting to myself that change starts with ME, not my husband. Let's face it, no one wants to admit they have to change. But by asking God to change OUR hearts, OUR way of thinking, and OUR lives, He will be better able to hear our prayers for our husbands. 

My favorite three-word prayer; Who, me?.. Change..."The hard part about being a praying wife," says Stormie, "...is maintaining a pure heart." We sometimes sabotage our own prayers because we don't pray with the right heart. A right heart is a heart without anger, unforgiveness, and an ungodly attitude. So, instead of praying "change him, Lord," our prayer should be, "change ME, Lord." "The most effective tool in transforming him may be your own transformation." (pg. 23-25)

The Ultimate Love Language...

Prayer is the ultimate love language. By praying for our spouse, you are bringing more love into your life and marriage, as well as unity in your home. (pg. 26-27)

I don't even like him - how can I pray for him?

The first thing to do about this, says Stormie, is to TELL GOD ABOUT IT. Be honest with God. Tell Him how you're feeling toward your husband. That thought mortifies me, but when you get right down to it, God already knows how you REALLY feel. (Pg. 28)

Shut up and pray!

God's word tells us there is a time for everything under the sun... that includes when to speak and when not to. "There is a time to speak and a time not to speak, and happy is the man whose wife can discern between the two." (pg. 29) "Sometimes anything we say will only hinder what God wants to do, so it's best to...well...shut up and pray." (pg. 29) This was the hardest part of the chapter for me to grasp. Everything within me rebels at the thought of holding my tongue, especially during an argument, but I see the wisdom in it. If we listen, God will give us the right words to say and the appropriate time to say them. If we give into our emotions and spew it all out, our husbands will be less receptive to it.

 

 Creating a home

As a wife, you are the heart of the home. Your husband is the head. That doesn't make one more important than the other, God created these positions to be equal. One point that Stormie makes is that your husband expects you to take care of the home. As much as I hate to admit it, I am a horrible housewife. I hate cleaning, cooking, laundry, and all the stuff that goes along with making a home. But guess what, we can ask God to help us with these things! That creates a whole new perspective for me to work on and ponder. I never thought to ask God to help me have the desire to do chores.  (pg. 33-36)

 

Letting go of expectations 

"Let go of as many expectations as possible," says Stormie, because we will be disappointed when our husbands don't life up to the big list of expectations we have for them. Accept him the way he is and pray for him to grow because when he does change, it will be in God's time and it will be lasting. (Pg. 37) Strive to be the wife described in Proverbs 31 and respect your husband. Everything else will eventually fall into place according to God's timing and purpose. (Pg. 37-40)