Tag: Amish Fiction

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Still Waters: An Amish Christian Fiction Romance About Family Secrets, Faith, and Community (The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill) 

352 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date November 4, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Their hidden past brings questions about their future . . . together.

Unsure of her future within the Amish community, Beth Peachy arrives in Lancaster County for the summer to care for her ailing grandmother. Yet with dementia threatening to steal away Mammi’s memories, Beth’s visit quickly evolves into an urgent search for answers to questions that her relatives seem determined to avoid. How can Beth possibly make a lifelong vow to the Amish church when her own family is concealing so much of the past from her?

Beth’s childhood friend Danny Lapp faces his own dilemma as his ex-Amish older brother turns his back on their family upbringing, dishonoring his Plain heritage. Struggling to find some sort of connection with his brother despite their deep difference of opinion, Danny is determined to find a solution before church leadership becomes involved. As Beth and Danny reconnect and seek to help each other in their search for answers, they find themselves stirring up not only surprising revelations about the past, but questions about a possible future–together.

MY THOUGHTS

This is not a new to me author but a new to me series as I haven’t read the first book yet skipping right to the second. I do need to go back and read that first one now.
There is a lot going on in this book.
Set in Pennsylvania a young Amish woman goes to help her grandmother move in with her parents.
Her grandmother has dementia and becomes more easily confused living in the past a lot. It was hard to read because my grandmother also had dementia.
Her grandmother also has a secret some in the church district know and they keep her secret. Grandma won’t talk about the past, but Beth feels it’s important to talk about and know as it’s her family history.
Several characters have not joined the church and are included in the book, and one is on the fence with their decision.
There is a lot of questioning of Amish beliefs, and rules by former Amish members.
A gentle read full of compassion, forgiveness and the possibility of reconnecting loved ones.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Patricia Johns is a New York Times and #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling Amish fiction author, writing from Alberta, Canada. She relishes electricity and modern conveniences in her real life, but she loves to imagine what life would be like living without everything we so easily rely upon. If you were to peek in at her, you’d find her tapping away on her computer writing her newest book, or arranging her dollhouse furniture which has become a big passion of hers. You can keep up with her on social media, or sign up for her newsletter for a chance to win signed books and knitted surprises made with love by the author herself.

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature- Frank Lloyd Wright

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Amish fiction: Letters of Wisdom: Friendship Letters #3 

322 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date March 1, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.
 
Letters and Prayers Between Friends Become a Balm for Healing
 
Irma Miller thought having a family of her own would bring her joy and a sense of accomplishment, but she struggles with memories of the abuse she suffered as a child at the hand of her stepfather. When she becomes physically and emotionally abusive to her own children, she reaches out to her friend Doretta for prayer and wisdom. But Irma may find herself at an even darker emotional place before she will admit she needs professional help to heal the past traumas. Will Doretta’s letters of wisdom help Irma and her family, or will too much be broken to ever be repaired?
 
Find out in the third book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

MY THOUGHTS

Letters of Wisdom is the third and final book in the Friendship Letters series.
I just love Wanda Brunstetter’s books and I’m so glad I’m having a chance to catch up with them.
Though Doretta Schwartz no longer lives close to her friends she has started writing letters of encouragement to her friends in their times of need.
Irma Miller is a young mother, under thirty with three children and a husband often absent for days at a time with his work commitments.
She’s pretty overwhelmed. The book deals with a subject that’s pretty hard to talk about but needs talked about and gotten out into the open for healing to start. As a child she was abused by her stepfather and now she’s abusive to her children.
Wit the encouragement of those around her including her husband and friend through letters healing starts and forgiveness is given. Open and honest conversations can be hard to do but they help. An emotional story but very good.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Amish Matchmakers (Amish Inn)

336 pages Publisher Zondervan Publication date October 17, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

This Amish matchmaker is an expert at finding love for others, but will she find it for herself?

Widowed sisters Esther and Lizzie are the town innkeepers—and the town matchmakers. But when a new tenant moves into a guest cottage at their Peony Inn, the sisters are shocked to discover that maybe this time, one of them might finally find a match of her own. Retired dentist Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus has signed a six-month lease at the cottage—and gentle Esther and spirited Lizzie are in a surprising competition for the kind doctor’s affections. Dr. Stoltzfus doesn’t appear to be Amish, but his last name and his mysterious background have the sisters guessing—and open to the possibility of finding love again.

Things really heat up when Benjamin’s granddaughter, Mindy, comes to visit. Escaping her big-city life in Texas, Mindy has moved to Amish country to be closer to her grandfather and to embrace the simpler life she has longed for. But she’s unprepared for what happens when an attractive young Amish man, who spends time at the inn helping out the widows, runs his lawnmower right into her little red sports car. Sure, Gabriel is cute and funny and nice—but can a romance between an Englisch girl and an Amish boy end well?

As Mindy and Gabriel find themselves thrown together time after time, they forge a friendship and start making matchmaking plans of their own. Which sister would be better for Mindy’s grandfather—Esther or Lizzie? And as the two young people put their energy into playing Cupid, it looks like love and the life they’ve both dreamed of might also be finding them.

  • Charming Amish romance featuring a later-in-life love triangle
  • Stand-alone novel, but returning to the world of The Amish Inn series
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs

MY THOUGHTS

The Amish Inn series have been such adventurous reads and it’s fun to catch up with the characters in it with the addition of new characters.
Elderly widowed sisters Esther and Lizzie run the Peony Inn, and they are the town’s matchmakers.
These sisters are fun; they bicker and are quirky as all get out. I love the sisters, they are great.
They’ve taken on a new renter in one of the cottages, a retired dentist. Though not Amish he has an Amish last name and has a few secrets he’s not ready to reveal. With a six-month lease on the cottage maybe the sisters will find out a thing or two about him.
The sisters both have been charmed by this gentle older man and appear to be in a bit of a competition over his affections.
Escaping the big city, Mindy the dentist’s granddaughter arrives for a visit to get to know her grandfather but promptly falls for an Amish man. With the possibility of young love and mature love I enjoyed reading the differences with it. The book was one adventure after another, and I’d love to see these characters in future books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.

As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth’s characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob’s Ladder. Book #1—Her Brother’s Keeper—recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.

Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bethwiseman.

Have A Wondaful day and thank you for stopping in.

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An Amish Cinderella (The Amish of Apple Creek) 

256 pages Publisher Kensington Publication date September 26, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

Now that her friends are all marrying or moving away, Heart Beachy has started feeling lonely. Worse, everyone keeps asking when she’s going to find a man of her own. Don’t they realize Heart has her hands full at home with her widowed dad, too many chores, and a menagerie of needy, small animals? Besides, she doesn’t understand the fuss about marriage. It’s enough to make her consider finally becoming a pet-sitter, or moving to an English community, where she won’t be an oddity . . .

Newcomer Clayton Glick is utterly charmed by Heart—and completely confounded. He can’t figure out why this beautiful woman is as awkward as a teenager whenever he’s around, which is often now that he’s an apprentice to her blacksmith father. So Clayton starts assisting with Heart’s never-ending tasks, even helping her corral her unruly pets. How else can he court an adorably flustered woman who doesn’t know the first thing about courtship? Because courting is exactly what he intends . . .

Heart doesn’t know why her pulse hammers every time she sees Clayton. She only knows yielding to such emotions will mean trouble. . . But maybe with a little faith—and the trying on of a shoe—Clayton can convince her to join him on the road to happily ever after.

MY THOUGHTS

Heart Beachy has taken over the household chores her Mama used to do before her mother’s death including doing the meals and housework. Her widowed father often grumbles about waiting for dinner though the time it’s served hasn’t changed. She’s lonely and everyone keeps asking her when she will have her own someone special. Don’t they realize with her being the only one to do the household chores and taking care of the animals there’s really no time for that.
When her father hires an apprentice in his blacksmithing shop they become friends. Clayton Glick seems to know her better than anyone and can anticipate her needs. Will a romance soon bloom from this? I enjoyed all of the characters and even the character who seemed a bit clueless comes around to seeing things the right way. Forgiveness, compassion, understanding and a few surprises here and there thrown in are all themes I enjoyed reading about in this book.
This is another author that I really enjoy her books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Thank you for stopping in. Have a wonderful day!

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A Healing Touch: Amish Fiction about a Small Town Community Doctor and an Abandoned Baby (Doctor to the Amish)

304 pages Publisher Revell Publication date October 1, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor who still believes in house calls, addressing not just her patients’ physical needs but their emotional ones too. When newly widowed Bee faces a breast cancer diagnosis, Dok connects her with Fern Lapp for support. When her painfully shy assistant Annie finds herself drawn to a new calling, Dok goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dream. And when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning, Dok’s world takes an unexpected turn as ripples of change touch several lives.

A Healing Touch is a captivating tale of compassion, resilience, and the bonds that form in surprising places. Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you into a new story that’s like medicine for the weary soul. Join Dok, Annie, and the tight-knit Stoney Ridge community as they navigate the twists of fate, discovering that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the heart.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s wonderful to be back in Stoney Ridge once again and reading about familiar characters.
Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus is the type of doctor you just don’t see anymore. She treats the Amish and makes house calls. It’s not just about practicing medicine with her she really cares about her patients and treats them body and soul.
Dok’s husband is a police officer, her brother the bishop. It’s a very tight knit community.
As busy as she is in the office she needs and office assistant and it comes in the way of Annie, a painfully shy Amish young woman. She has a dream and Doc wants to help her achieve it but will the bishop approve of her plan.
We once again meet up with Hank Lapp and his wife. Hank is a great character, he’s loud, boisterous and doesn’t want to take advice from anyone especially Doc. As his health seems to deteriorate can his wife convince him a helping hand is the way to go.
We see character experiencing many different emotions from insecurity to grieving. There is compassion and healing, strong faith and encouragement.
What an emotional book and I loved it. Now I need to read the next in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.

Readers are invited to stop by Suzanne’s website at: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Amish fiction: Letters of Comfort (Friendship Letters, 2)

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date August 1, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

Friendship Letters Series — Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.
 
A Ministry of Letter Writing Restores Hope to the Writer
 
Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiancé’s death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won’t even respond to calls from friends. William’s twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren’s friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?
 
Find out in the second book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s always a wonderful day when I have a chance to read another of Wanda Brunstetter’s books.
This is the second book in the Friendship Letters series. Though it can be read as a standalone I suggest you read them in order as each book follows closely behind the other to get the full enjoyment of the story.
This book deals with depression and follows a young Amish woman in her journey as she is set to marry her fiancée, and he tragically passes away due to an accident close to their wedding. She is also badly hurt, and it takes her a long time to heal. Her fiancée has a twin brother and it’s hard for her to see them as the brothers were identical and it brings back memories of the past.
Her best friend sends her comforting and encouraging letters to try to help but at first, she is not receptive to them. Eventually as letters pass between the two friends honesty feelings come out as the friends share their struggles as they are able to help each other. Her faith is lagging but her friends keep encouraging her. As she starts to socialize more her healing both mentally and physically starts. A beautiful uplifting and encouraging story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for stopping in. I hope you have a wonderful day.

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The Beginner’s Quilt- Prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club series

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date March 1, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

– A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s a wonderful day when I get a chance to read a new Wanda Brunstetter book.
Having read so many of her books I’m always thrilled to see a new one pop up. This is a prequel to one of the series I have not read through and now I really want to read the other series. In the series the main character has an older lady as the main character that we get to meet in this book as a young woman.
Many are under the mistaken assumption all Amish women have the skills to bake and sew, and it comes naturally.
Not so for Emma Bontrager who has no interest in it either, preferring outdoor activities like fishing.
Sent to her paternal grandparent’s house in Arthur, Illinois she’s not happy to receive lessons she doesn’t want.
While there she meets a young man who begins to court her.
Falling in love comes naturally but then she feels like it’s all being snatched away from her.
There was quite the plot twist in the book that I just didn’t see coming but I was happy to see how it was resolved.
Recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com

Thank you for stopping in.

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The Amish Nanny’s Secret: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance 

208 pages Love Inspired paperback Publication date September 30, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Will a temporary arrangement
turn into the love she needs?

Naomi Ebersol has always felt like the black sheep of her Amish community, and even more so now that she’s been accepted into art school. It’ll be difficult leaving Millers Creek behind, but she longs to follow her heart. To pay for her tuition, she agrees to be a nanny for widower Josias Schrock, who needs help caring for his five energetic little boys. Only now, everyone in their community thinks they’re engaged! Being around his family starts to feel all too real. But how can Naomi choose between the dream she’s always wanted…and the promise of love?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

MY THOUGHTS

The Amish Nanny’s Secret is delightful, the author has woven secrets, love and healing through every page.
Naomi Ebersol has kept a secret from not only her Amish community, but her family and she’s been working on making it come true for several years.
Now she just needs a way to make the money to have it come true as the last step.
Widower Josias Schrock may be just the help she’s been praying for as she decides to become a nanny to his five sons and that should help finance her dream.
I had a large family myself and could so relate to the absolute chaos at times you have with children specially a lot of small ones close in age.
He’s lost his wife and baby and just wants a nanny for his boys; she’s looking to earn money for the summer.
There’s no telling where the heart will lead though.
A beautiful story brought to life by the author’s charming words, I absolutely loved it. Through prayer and reflection healing happens with decisions made.
Looking forward to more by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don’t forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she’s not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: http://www.amylillardbooks.com.

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Amish Ballerina 

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date October 1, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Amish Woman Hides a Secret Passion

Eighteen-year-old Arie Kauffman loves to twirl and leap around the barn in her Amish bonnet and dress, practicing ballet moves her English friend taught her. Her parents would be upset to learn that this longtime interest has progressed to her secretly attending ballet classes. Arie even hides her dance skills from her boyfriend, Edwin Chupp, who often invites her to try new things, knowing she has an artistic heart. Her secrecy, however, is causing damage she may not be able to repair. When offered new opportunities to dance, will Arie break from Amish tradition or hold true to the bonds of her faith and family?

MY THOUGHTS

The Amish Ballerina sounded like a very unique and interesting story. I know Englisher interests such as ballet dancing is forbidden to the Amish so I was interested in seeing how this would be pulled off.
Arie has been interested in ballet for years as her Englisher friend Lorina has been a ballet dancer for years and is teaching her.
This is a huge secret she is not only keeping from her family but her boyfriend as well.
The writing style is different that Wanda’s. I’ve read all of Wanda’s over the years and have loved them all. This is not her writing. It’s slow, stilted and very formal sounding.
There is not a warmth in these Amish families, they almost act as casual acquaintances towards each other, but a closeness and homey feeling is not to be found.
There are unreasonable expectations put on Arie by her mother, she is at times talked to as a young child, but the mother’s responsibilities are unreasonably put on her.
There were a lot of secrets and dishonestly in the book. Some understanding did come through. She has a big decision to make; will her heart lead her to give up her worldly ways or will Arie be drawn to the Englisher world and all it has to offer?
This book was not a favorite of mine, but I have enjoyed all of her other books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean.

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Thank you for stopping in. Have a lovely day.

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The Christmas House: An Amish Christmas Novella by Beverly Lewis

146 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Beverly Lewis, the number-one bestselling author of Amish fiction, delivers a delightful Christmas novella of faith, romance, and heartwarming holiday traditions.

With the holidays approaching, Liz Lantz is dedicated to using her Hickory Hollow buggy tour business to share God’s love with the Englisher tourists who visit her Lancaster County community. But when her father and brother are called away for a while, Dat finds a young Amishman to assist her on the tours in her brother’s place, much to Liz’s dismay. Regardless, the popularity of her Christmas House Buggy Tour means she could use the help, so as the countdown to Christmas begins, she works alongside Matthew Yoder, who quickly takes a genuine interest in the tour customers–and Liz.

As an Englisher family in Hickory Hollow expresses their festive spirit with a lavishly decorated house for the second year running, Liz’s Amish community becomes increasingly concerned about attracting unwanted traffic and attention, and Liz wonders if there is any way to bridge the gap to help the new neighbors feel welcome. At the same time, she grapples with her growing feelings for Matt, whose position with her is only temporary. Can she find a way to bring harmony to Hickory Hollow in time for Christmas?

Beverly Lewis’s homespun Amish romance will draw in readers who love family, small towns, and Christmas festivities. This charming holiday novella brings cheer and faith for the winter season.

MY THOUGHTS

I haven’t read a book by the author in several years and I was thrilled to see a new Christmas novella releasing by her this Fall.


The writing was just as I expected, faith filled, fun, and a little romance.
This is Liz Lantz’s story. Liz Lantz gives the Englishers buggy tours in her Lancaster Amish community all the while spreading God’s word while doing so. So, when her father and brother are unexpectedly called away right during the peak Christmas busy season Liz is worried her business will have to be put on hold.

What she doesn’t expect is her father to arrange for a handsome Amish man to go with her as she gives the buggy tours as her brother’s replacement.


Such a beautiful story full of kindness, gentle reminders and it will leave you feeling happy and full of good Christmas cheer.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’ve had my nose in a book, for as long as I remember. When I was about 9 years old, I started writing my own stories. By sixth grade, I’d hand-written a 66-page semi-autobiographical book titled, “She Shall Have Music.”

After I was married and our three children were in middle school, I began submitting articles and short fiction to various magazines.

My first book (Holly’s First Love) was published in May 1993, the start of a 14-book series for pre-teen girls. Soon after, my first chapter book was published for 7-10-year-old readers (“Big Bad Beans”) which later became part of my 24-book series, The Cul-de-Sac Kids. I wrote another long-running series for girls, titled “SummerHill Secrets,” which was set very close to Neffsville, PA, where I grew up–near the heart of Amish country.

But it was the story of my grandmother Ada Buchwalter’s shunning by her ultra-strict father and subsequently her old order Mennonite community that nudged me toward writing adult fiction. THE SHUNNING was published in 1997 by Bethany House Publishers, and along with its sequels, has touched a nerve in millions of readers intrigued by the Plain tradition of Lancaster County, PA. Many readers have enjoyed the Hallmark Channel’s adaptation of this book and the other books in the Heritage of Lancaster County series.

My passion for Amish-related stories continues to keep me up at night, and I’ve written over three dozen novels for adults set in Lancaster County.

When I’m between writing deadlines, I enjoy hiking in the Rocky Mountains with my husband. Cooking from scratch, playing Mozart at the piano, and making family memory albums, as well as traveling to meet my devoted readers during book tours, are some of my very favorite things. I also adore reading biographies and memoirs, as well as classic literature.

Thank you for stopping in.