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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
This is just such a lovely compilation of four short Amish stories. These books and its characters are filled with doubts, love , forgiveness and the desire for home. I truly liked all four books but my favorite was the second book.
I had never read two the authors before but that will change ASAP. I am not usually a fan of short stories but these were well crafted with believable and intriguing characters plus the added bonus of finding a couple new authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
I had never read two the authors before but that will change ASAP. I am not usually a fan of short stories but these were well crafted with believable and intriguing characters plus the added bonus of finding a couple new authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Each story in this book was amazing. I am looking forward to reading the series that each of these novellas belongs with.
If you are looking for a light hearted read I highly recommend picking up this book.
If you are looking for a light hearted read I highly recommend picking up this book.
An Amish Reunion contains four charming Amish stories by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kelly Irvin and Kathleen Fuller. Their True Home by Amy Clipston takes us to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Marlene Bawell is happy her family has returned to her hometown after ten years. Her father was laid off from the RV factory in Indiana and was unable to find other work. Marlene wants to help her father save for a place of their own and obtains a job at Lancaster Hardware & Supply owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. Rudy and Marlene went to school together and she had a crush on him as a teen. Rudy is taken with Marlene and can tell she needs a friend. They become close while working together. Before they can take the next step in their relationship, Marlene’s father has an announcement.
Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman has us journeying to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Ruth and Gideon Beiler lost their daughter five years earlier. Their grief drove the couple apart and away from their Amish faith. Ruth has returned for her family’s reunion and to help Gideon get their home ready to sell. While Ruth and Gideon have been living in separate states, they are still married. When Ruth encounters Gideon at the cemetery, old feelings rush back. They have both found a way to work their grief and back to God. Ruth’s sister, Esther has a little girl named Becky who talks openly about Ruth’s daughter, Grace. It allows Gideon and Ruth to remember the good times. Ruth and Gideon are meant to be together, but will they realize this in time?
Kathleen Fuller gives us A Chance to Remember set in Birch Creek, Ohio. Cevilla Schlabach is surprised when Richard Johnson shows up at her house. Cevilla has not seen Richard since she was eighteen and left her English life behind to join the Amish. They spend time reminiscing about the past and catching up on their lost years. There friendship is renewed and there are flickers of something more. Cevilla has always said that God is enough for her, but has He led Richard to her to give her love in her golden years?
Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin transports readers to Jamesport, Missouri. Hannah Kauffman had her daughter, Evie out of wedlock twenty-one months ago. She has not seen Evie’s father, Thaddeus since he chose to leave town rather than repent. Now he reappears wanting to see their daughter and prove to Hannah that he has changed. Phillip Schwartz has been there for Hannah since the beginning. He has been a good friend, but he is in love with Hannah and wants to court her. Hannah is grateful to Phillip for standing by her, but her feeling for Thaddeus have not changed. She is afraid, though, of trusting any man again. Marriage would make her respectful in the eyes of the community. Hannah needs to pray for guidance and see what is the right path for her and Evie’s future.
An Amish Reunion contains four heartwarming and appealing stories. I found them to be well-written with steady pacing. All four stories contain relatable characters and situations. They deal with grief, heartbreak, self-doubt, loss of faith, and trust issues. Grief affects each one of us differently. As one of the characters said in Reunion of the Hearts “people say all kinds of things when they are grieving”. People say things they do not mean and later regret. We get to see how it affected our characters and changed their lives. I enjoyed getting the stories on characters I have come to know and love from these authors series. Cevilla is known for playing matchmaker and now the tables are turned. Hannah was shunned for her disobedience, but while she has been forgiven, no one has forgotten. I have wanted to know what happened to Hannah after her shunning (and now I do). One of the phrases I appreciated from this novella was “it is never too late to right a wrong”. The Christian elements are woven throughout each story. We see the importance of faith and prayer in one’s life. Amy Clipston’s Their True Home was an engaging story. I am drawn in immediately, read too quickly and am sorry when the story ends (best kind of books). My favorite story was A Chance to Remember featuring Cevilla. It was such a sweet story that reminds us it is never too late to reconnect with a friend or to find love. My favorite phrase from that story is from Cevilla “I always put my trust in God and always will”. One expression that is especially meaningful is “love is a home where your heart can live forever”. There are discussion questions after each novella. I delighted in reading these four heartfelt and impactful Amish novellas.
Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman has us journeying to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Ruth and Gideon Beiler lost their daughter five years earlier. Their grief drove the couple apart and away from their Amish faith. Ruth has returned for her family’s reunion and to help Gideon get their home ready to sell. While Ruth and Gideon have been living in separate states, they are still married. When Ruth encounters Gideon at the cemetery, old feelings rush back. They have both found a way to work their grief and back to God. Ruth’s sister, Esther has a little girl named Becky who talks openly about Ruth’s daughter, Grace. It allows Gideon and Ruth to remember the good times. Ruth and Gideon are meant to be together, but will they realize this in time?
Kathleen Fuller gives us A Chance to Remember set in Birch Creek, Ohio. Cevilla Schlabach is surprised when Richard Johnson shows up at her house. Cevilla has not seen Richard since she was eighteen and left her English life behind to join the Amish. They spend time reminiscing about the past and catching up on their lost years. There friendship is renewed and there are flickers of something more. Cevilla has always said that God is enough for her, but has He led Richard to her to give her love in her golden years?
Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin transports readers to Jamesport, Missouri. Hannah Kauffman had her daughter, Evie out of wedlock twenty-one months ago. She has not seen Evie’s father, Thaddeus since he chose to leave town rather than repent. Now he reappears wanting to see their daughter and prove to Hannah that he has changed. Phillip Schwartz has been there for Hannah since the beginning. He has been a good friend, but he is in love with Hannah and wants to court her. Hannah is grateful to Phillip for standing by her, but her feeling for Thaddeus have not changed. She is afraid, though, of trusting any man again. Marriage would make her respectful in the eyes of the community. Hannah needs to pray for guidance and see what is the right path for her and Evie’s future.
An Amish Reunion contains four heartwarming and appealing stories. I found them to be well-written with steady pacing. All four stories contain relatable characters and situations. They deal with grief, heartbreak, self-doubt, loss of faith, and trust issues. Grief affects each one of us differently. As one of the characters said in Reunion of the Hearts “people say all kinds of things when they are grieving”. People say things they do not mean and later regret. We get to see how it affected our characters and changed their lives. I enjoyed getting the stories on characters I have come to know and love from these authors series. Cevilla is known for playing matchmaker and now the tables are turned. Hannah was shunned for her disobedience, but while she has been forgiven, no one has forgotten. I have wanted to know what happened to Hannah after her shunning (and now I do). One of the phrases I appreciated from this novella was “it is never too late to right a wrong”. The Christian elements are woven throughout each story. We see the importance of faith and prayer in one’s life. Amy Clipston’s Their True Home was an engaging story. I am drawn in immediately, read too quickly and am sorry when the story ends (best kind of books). My favorite story was A Chance to Remember featuring Cevilla. It was such a sweet story that reminds us it is never too late to reconnect with a friend or to find love. My favorite phrase from that story is from Cevilla “I always put my trust in God and always will”. One expression that is especially meaningful is “love is a home where your heart can live forever”. There are discussion questions after each novella. I delighted in reading these four heartfelt and impactful Amish novellas.
Four great stories in one book! I enjoyed reading this book and found it difficult to put down. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Review:
Rating and Recommendation: 3 stars, and recommended for 13 up.
My Thoughts on Their True Home by Amy Clipston:
This was a cute opening to this collection of Amish stories. I loved the characters and their story. Having read Amy Clipstion’s books before I knew I would enjoy this one . . . and I did though it may now be my favorite of her Amish books! *wishes it was longer* And that cover is so beautiful! If you like Amish books you need to check this one out. A plus was that it wasn’t too over the top with the characters not wanting to admit that they aren’t good together though they do protest loving each other – of course.
My Thoughts on A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman
Wow, I’ve never read an Amish book like this and I’m not sure if I liked it or not . . . I didn’t care for the theme of divorce. I liked the story otherwise and Becky was super cute! I loved the ending and the beginning was okay. I’m just going to say that it was the oddest Amish book I’ve ever read and yet it was a slightly enjoyable book. If I hadn’t read books by the author I would have assumed that the author knew nothing about Amish but I know she does know a good bit from other books and Beth Wiseman seems to take an overdone Amish story and turn it into a new idea.
My Thoughts on A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller
Awwwwwwwwww! This one was really sweet and adorable, with an older couple and a granddaughter. Characters may or may not have gotten lost a time or two but . . . I’m not saying they did. I was surprised that a relationship was even considered since Richard isn’t Amish . . . I feel that it was slightly unrealistic even if sweet.
My Thoughts on Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin
I haven’t read the last story in the collection yet but may at a later date.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program as well as NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Rating and Recommendation: 3 stars, and recommended for 13 up.
My Thoughts on Their True Home by Amy Clipston:
This was a cute opening to this collection of Amish stories. I loved the characters and their story. Having read Amy Clipstion’s books before I knew I would enjoy this one . . . and I did though it may now be my favorite of her Amish books! *wishes it was longer* And that cover is so beautiful! If you like Amish books you need to check this one out. A plus was that it wasn’t too over the top with the characters not wanting to admit that they aren’t good together though they do protest loving each other – of course.
My Thoughts on A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman
Wow, I’ve never read an Amish book like this and I’m not sure if I liked it or not . . . I didn’t care for the theme of divorce. I liked the story otherwise and Becky was super cute! I loved the ending and the beginning was okay. I’m just going to say that it was the oddest Amish book I’ve ever read and yet it was a slightly enjoyable book. If I hadn’t read books by the author I would have assumed that the author knew nothing about Amish but I know she does know a good bit from other books and Beth Wiseman seems to take an overdone Amish story and turn it into a new idea.
My Thoughts on A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller
Awwwwwwwwww! This one was really sweet and adorable, with an older couple and a granddaughter. Characters may or may not have gotten lost a time or two but . . . I’m not saying they did. I was surprised that a relationship was even considered since Richard isn’t Amish . . . I feel that it was slightly unrealistic even if sweet.
My Thoughts on Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin
I haven’t read the last story in the collection yet but may at a later date.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers
Wonderful collection of stories about different seasons of change !
In the first story Amy Clipston gives us a story about Marlene and Rudy, a young couple learning change through working together. Marlene navigates the change of moving home after years spent away and she deals with memories of loss associated home. I thought this was a great story on how to push yourself to overcome past sadness and turn it to something new.
In the second story Beth Wiseman tells a story about Ruth and Gideon and how they deal with the loss of a child and the impact on their marriage. They don't handle the loss well at first, but after five years the Lord leads them home to each other. A great story about grief and the growing that can come out of that time in life.
The third story is by Kathleen Fuller. She tells a story about a wonderful, sarcastic, and straight speaking Grandma type lady who is used to matchmaking for other people. But this time God had something special in mind for her. A very sweet story.
Last but not least we get a story by Kelly Irvin. She tells us a story about a young couple who didn't wait and it was made worse by some decisions that were made. But through their trials came forgiveness and growing into the people that God wanted for them to be. A particularly good story as it is not always a subject people will face head on. I loved it and I think it was a great representation of the true circumstances that people go through when they have a baby out of wedlock, especially in an Amish community,
This is a great collection of stories that I would definitely recommend reading, it is great encouragement when going through different seasons of change.
I volunteered to read this book from Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest feedback. The opinions expressed within are my own.
In the first story Amy Clipston gives us a story about Marlene and Rudy, a young couple learning change through working together. Marlene navigates the change of moving home after years spent away and she deals with memories of loss associated home. I thought this was a great story on how to push yourself to overcome past sadness and turn it to something new.
In the second story Beth Wiseman tells a story about Ruth and Gideon and how they deal with the loss of a child and the impact on their marriage. They don't handle the loss well at first, but after five years the Lord leads them home to each other. A great story about grief and the growing that can come out of that time in life.
The third story is by Kathleen Fuller. She tells a story about a wonderful, sarcastic, and straight speaking Grandma type lady who is used to matchmaking for other people. But this time God had something special in mind for her. A very sweet story.
Last but not least we get a story by Kelly Irvin. She tells us a story about a young couple who didn't wait and it was made worse by some decisions that were made. But through their trials came forgiveness and growing into the people that God wanted for them to be. A particularly good story as it is not always a subject people will face head on. I loved it and I think it was a great representation of the true circumstances that people go through when they have a baby out of wedlock, especially in an Amish community,
This is a great collection of stories that I would definitely recommend reading, it is great encouragement when going through different seasons of change.
I volunteered to read this book from Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest feedback. The opinions expressed within are my own.
Their True Home (Amy Clipston) - 3.5 stars
I liked seeing Rudy’s story. He and Marlene were cute together, and I liked the message of letting go of fear. This wasn’t my favorite Amy Clipston novella, but I still liked it.
A Reunion of Hearts (Beth Wiseman) - 3.5 stars
This one was close to home, as friends of mine recently lost their child. The story is about the grieving process of the parents as they struggle to cope with the massive loss. It was quite bittersweet, but had a hopeful message. Becky was just adorable. However, the fact that Gideon had a girlfriend while still legally married and a few suggestive comments kept this from being a full 4 star read.
A Chance to Remember (Kathleen Fuller) - 2 stars
The romance seemed out of the blue, and I didn’t like that it had an open ended ending. Meghan was a total snot, and despite the fact that Cevilla was Amish, the story had next to nothing to do with Amish life because Richard and Meghan were not. It didn’t seem authentically Amish either. There were a number of things that were said or done that didn’t seem like they would quite fit with the rules of the community.
Mended Hearts (Kelly Irvin) - 1 star
Ugh. I couldn’t stand Thaddeus and was mad that Hannah got back together with him. I liked Philip a lot more. I didn’t like the subject matter in general of this one, and I wasn’t happy with how it was resolved.
I liked seeing Rudy’s story. He and Marlene were cute together, and I liked the message of letting go of fear. This wasn’t my favorite Amy Clipston novella, but I still liked it.
A Reunion of Hearts (Beth Wiseman) - 3.5 stars
This one was close to home, as friends of mine recently lost their child. The story is about the grieving process of the parents as they struggle to cope with the massive loss. It was quite bittersweet, but had a hopeful message. Becky was just adorable. However, the fact that Gideon had a girlfriend while still legally married and a few suggestive comments kept this from being a full 4 star read.
A Chance to Remember (Kathleen Fuller) - 2 stars
The romance seemed out of the blue, and I didn’t like that it had an open ended ending. Meghan was a total snot, and despite the fact that Cevilla was Amish, the story had next to nothing to do with Amish life because Richard and Meghan were not. It didn’t seem authentically Amish either. There were a number of things that were said or done that didn’t seem like they would quite fit with the rules of the community.
Mended Hearts (Kelly Irvin) - 1 star
Ugh. I couldn’t stand Thaddeus and was mad that Hannah got back together with him. I liked Philip a lot more. I didn’t like the subject matter in general of this one, and I wasn’t happy with how it was resolved.
I love reading novellas, specifically Amish novellas. They are short, quick reads full of life, love, beautiful characters and inspirational messages. Each author creates a story that is different, yet within the collections they blend beautifully.
I loved all four of these novellas but my favorite was Amy Clipston’s Their True Home. I love Clipston’s writing style and how she instantly hooks you into the story. Her characters are flawed, yet perfect. Her messages flow magnificently within the story and by the time you realize you’re at the end of the story, you want more.
In Their True Home, Marlene returns home, and reconnects with old friends, especially Rudy. But, it’s not easy, and God truly is felt through this story of renewal, faith, and hope. Clipston had me hooked from page one, and I felt myself being transported to Bird-In-Hand, working along side Rudy and Marlene, feeling the emotional roller coaster they went through. The connection between Rudy and Marlene is powerful, and I loved watching them find their true place in life!
If you love the simplicity of the Amish life, the way they love with all they have and the way they believe in hope and forgiveness, then order this book now. It’s filled with tender characters, hope filled messages and beautiful writing styles. Definitely 4 star worthy!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Zondervan and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved all four of these novellas but my favorite was Amy Clipston’s Their True Home. I love Clipston’s writing style and how she instantly hooks you into the story. Her characters are flawed, yet perfect. Her messages flow magnificently within the story and by the time you realize you’re at the end of the story, you want more.
In Their True Home, Marlene returns home, and reconnects with old friends, especially Rudy. But, it’s not easy, and God truly is felt through this story of renewal, faith, and hope. Clipston had me hooked from page one, and I felt myself being transported to Bird-In-Hand, working along side Rudy and Marlene, feeling the emotional roller coaster they went through. The connection between Rudy and Marlene is powerful, and I loved watching them find their true place in life!
If you love the simplicity of the Amish life, the way they love with all they have and the way they believe in hope and forgiveness, then order this book now. It’s filled with tender characters, hope filled messages and beautiful writing styles. Definitely 4 star worthy!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Zondervan and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*