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kerrycat's review against another edition
4.0
(reviewed on Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4 stars: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/amish-heirloom)
These four offerings from well-established, reliable storytellers are engaging, entertaining and thought provoking. Difficult life decisions (from choosing the right marriage partner to discovering the right faith path to follow) are explored, mysteries are solved and shared and romance abounds. As always, Clipston, Wiseman, Fuller and Irvin bring the Amish, with all of their fears, heartaches and enduring faith, to life. Irvin’s story, “The Midwife’s Dream,” is especially touching, as Iris waits for her dreams to come true, knowing that the Lord has His own plan for her as she is given responsibility for an unwanted baby while she longs for children of her own.
In “A Legacy of Love” by Amy Clipston, Susie has plans to marry her dependable fiancé, but spending time with her former boyfriend, Leon, proves that her heart lies with him instead. Leon wouldn’t commit in the past, but he knows now that letting Susie go was the biggest mistake of his life. Can the two find their way back to each other, even as she begins to sew dresses for her wedding to another man?
Emma has left “The Cedar Chest” alone, locked away for years, but finds a way to connect to her emotionally distant daughter through the letters between her great-grandparents that they find in the chest and read together. They discover details about the long-ago relationship that they never could have imagined in Beth Wiseman’s offering.
Cevilla is back to matchmaking again in “The Treasured Book” by Kathleen Fuller when she invites Ivy to come to Birch Creek and help her after she sprains her ankle. Shane is visiting his friend, his thoughts devoted to serious consideration of joining the Amish faith, but Ivy remembers his beautiful and worldly girlfriend. She is sure that her crush on him is unrequited. Will Cevilla’s efforts bring them together or drive them apart?
In Kelly Irvin’s “The Midwife’s Dream,” Iris is the trusted midwife in her community, but as she watches her friends marry and have children, she wonders if she will ever have a family of her own. When a young girl needs her help, she not only delivers the baby but cares for her when the girl and her boyfriend run off. Becoming attached to the baby is unavoidable, just like her growing relationship with her friend’s brother Mahon. Unfortunately Iris knows she will have to give the baby up, but will the future promise a baby of her own heal her heart?
These four offerings from well-established, reliable storytellers are engaging, entertaining and thought provoking. Difficult life decisions (from choosing the right marriage partner to discovering the right faith path to follow) are explored, mysteries are solved and shared and romance abounds. As always, Clipston, Wiseman, Fuller and Irvin bring the Amish, with all of their fears, heartaches and enduring faith, to life. Irvin’s story, “The Midwife’s Dream,” is especially touching, as Iris waits for her dreams to come true, knowing that the Lord has His own plan for her as she is given responsibility for an unwanted baby while she longs for children of her own.
In “A Legacy of Love” by Amy Clipston, Susie has plans to marry her dependable fiancé, but spending time with her former boyfriend, Leon, proves that her heart lies with him instead. Leon wouldn’t commit in the past, but he knows now that letting Susie go was the biggest mistake of his life. Can the two find their way back to each other, even as she begins to sew dresses for her wedding to another man?
Emma has left “The Cedar Chest” alone, locked away for years, but finds a way to connect to her emotionally distant daughter through the letters between her great-grandparents that they find in the chest and read together. They discover details about the long-ago relationship that they never could have imagined in Beth Wiseman’s offering.
Cevilla is back to matchmaking again in “The Treasured Book” by Kathleen Fuller when she invites Ivy to come to Birch Creek and help her after she sprains her ankle. Shane is visiting his friend, his thoughts devoted to serious consideration of joining the Amish faith, but Ivy remembers his beautiful and worldly girlfriend. She is sure that her crush on him is unrequited. Will Cevilla’s efforts bring them together or drive them apart?
In Kelly Irvin’s “The Midwife’s Dream,” Iris is the trusted midwife in her community, but as she watches her friends marry and have children, she wonders if she will ever have a family of her own. When a young girl needs her help, she not only delivers the baby but cares for her when the girl and her boyfriend run off. Becoming attached to the baby is unavoidable, just like her growing relationship with her friend’s brother Mahon. Unfortunately Iris knows she will have to give the baby up, but will the future promise a baby of her own heal her heart?
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
An Amish Heirloom contains four novellas by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin. Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston involves Leon King, a local volunteer fire fighter and carpenter. Susie Bontrager, Leon’s ex-girlfriend, is getting married to Josh Chupp and she wants her grandmother’s rocking chairs repaired for her new home. Leon agrees to restore them for Susie. Susie stops by Lancaster Furniture Sales and Repair each week to check up on the rocking chairs and old feelings begin to resurface for each of them. Leon regrets letting Susie get away, but he does not want to come between her and Josh. Meanwhile, Susie recognizes that she agreed to marry Josh for the wrong reasons. Will the rocking chairs bring Leon and Susie back together?
Beth Wiseman wrote The Cedar Chest which features Emma Fisher and her daughter, Catherine. Emma knows something is bothering Catherine, but she cannot get her daughter to confide in her. They are in the basement and find the cedar chest that belonged to Emma’s great grandmother which has been unopened since her death. Inside are letters written by her great grandparents. They tell the story of how they came to be together. Emma and Catherine decide to read the letters together. Emma is hoping it will allow time for Catherine to open up to her. She is unprepared for the secrets that come to light when they read the letters.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller takes us to Birch Creek, Ohio. Lucy Fisher has traveled to Birch Creek to assist Cevilla Schlabach while she recovers from a sprained ankle. Lucy is surprised when she is picked up at the bus station by Shane Broyles who is staying with Noah Schlabach and his wife, Ivy. Lucy and her father had helped Shane renovate a home in Iowa. Lucy carries the miniature Bible that Shane gave her and has been careful not to reveal to Shane how much she cares for him. Shane is considering joining the Amish faith and is using his time in Birch Creek to decide. Cevilla wants Lucy to use her time in Birch Creek to build a life for herself and away from her parents. Shane and Lucy spend time together and are becoming closer. Then Shane’s ex-fiancé arrives in town and wants him back.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin is set in Jamesport, Missouri. Iris Beachy twenty-three years old and is the midwife for her community. Her dream is to have a family of her own, but she is still in love with man who is married to someone else. Mahon Kurtz seeks her help with delivering the baby of a teenage Englischer. Jessica and her boyfriend, Quinn are traveling to Texas and are unprepared when she goes into labor early. Iris brings them home and delivers their little girl, Lily Marie. The next morning Iris finds the two teenagers gone, but they left the baby behind wrapped in a beautiful quilt similar to one Iris will inherit when she becomes a mother. Mahon is able to provide sketches of the two teenagers which they use to trace their movements around town. Iris had always considered Mahon her best friends’ older brother, but, as she spends time with him, she sees him in a different light. Mahon has been in love with Iris for years and has just been waiting for her to get over her prior love.
An Amish Heirloom contains four heartwarming stories that captured and held my attention. Each story has great characters and beautiful settings. I like how each story has an antique item that helps bring the couples together. A handmade quilt, love letters, a miniature Bible and antique rockers are the four items that help unite these four couples. The novellas are well-written and have an easy pace. It is nice to take a break from a full-length book and read these shorter wholesome tales. The authors did a wonderful job at interlacing the Christian elements into their stories. In God’s timing, having faith, the power of prayer, and family values are some of the Christian themes. It was delightful to revisit Cevilla Schlabach. She is an entertaining, eccentric character and provides levity to The Treasured Book. I hope Kathleen Fuller will feature Cevilla in future books. In Amy Clipston’s Legacy of Love, I appreciate her featuring Amish volunteer firefighters. Local fire departments in many areas rely on volunteer fire fighter’s, and I did not know that Amish volunteered for this service. Four wholesome, heartfelt novellas from four seasoned Amish writers. Settle into a comfy chair, relax and escape into An Amish Heirloom--a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Beth Wiseman wrote The Cedar Chest which features Emma Fisher and her daughter, Catherine. Emma knows something is bothering Catherine, but she cannot get her daughter to confide in her. They are in the basement and find the cedar chest that belonged to Emma’s great grandmother which has been unopened since her death. Inside are letters written by her great grandparents. They tell the story of how they came to be together. Emma and Catherine decide to read the letters together. Emma is hoping it will allow time for Catherine to open up to her. She is unprepared for the secrets that come to light when they read the letters.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller takes us to Birch Creek, Ohio. Lucy Fisher has traveled to Birch Creek to assist Cevilla Schlabach while she recovers from a sprained ankle. Lucy is surprised when she is picked up at the bus station by Shane Broyles who is staying with Noah Schlabach and his wife, Ivy. Lucy and her father had helped Shane renovate a home in Iowa. Lucy carries the miniature Bible that Shane gave her and has been careful not to reveal to Shane how much she cares for him. Shane is considering joining the Amish faith and is using his time in Birch Creek to decide. Cevilla wants Lucy to use her time in Birch Creek to build a life for herself and away from her parents. Shane and Lucy spend time together and are becoming closer. Then Shane’s ex-fiancé arrives in town and wants him back.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin is set in Jamesport, Missouri. Iris Beachy twenty-three years old and is the midwife for her community. Her dream is to have a family of her own, but she is still in love with man who is married to someone else. Mahon Kurtz seeks her help with delivering the baby of a teenage Englischer. Jessica and her boyfriend, Quinn are traveling to Texas and are unprepared when she goes into labor early. Iris brings them home and delivers their little girl, Lily Marie. The next morning Iris finds the two teenagers gone, but they left the baby behind wrapped in a beautiful quilt similar to one Iris will inherit when she becomes a mother. Mahon is able to provide sketches of the two teenagers which they use to trace their movements around town. Iris had always considered Mahon her best friends’ older brother, but, as she spends time with him, she sees him in a different light. Mahon has been in love with Iris for years and has just been waiting for her to get over her prior love.
An Amish Heirloom contains four heartwarming stories that captured and held my attention. Each story has great characters and beautiful settings. I like how each story has an antique item that helps bring the couples together. A handmade quilt, love letters, a miniature Bible and antique rockers are the four items that help unite these four couples. The novellas are well-written and have an easy pace. It is nice to take a break from a full-length book and read these shorter wholesome tales. The authors did a wonderful job at interlacing the Christian elements into their stories. In God’s timing, having faith, the power of prayer, and family values are some of the Christian themes. It was delightful to revisit Cevilla Schlabach. She is an entertaining, eccentric character and provides levity to The Treasured Book. I hope Kathleen Fuller will feature Cevilla in future books. In Amy Clipston’s Legacy of Love, I appreciate her featuring Amish volunteer firefighters. Local fire departments in many areas rely on volunteer fire fighter’s, and I did not know that Amish volunteered for this service. Four wholesome, heartfelt novellas from four seasoned Amish writers. Settle into a comfy chair, relax and escape into An Amish Heirloom--a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
booklvr10's review against another edition
4.0
What a pageturner! There are four stories in this book, all of which were great. The stories are centered around Amish heirlooms and there is a romantic theme to each as well. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
historical_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I simply adored the stories in this book. I have read several similar anthologies by the same writers and I found myself reading through it quickly and getting lost in the stories just I have reading previous books.
cat_gull's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
3.0
A Legacy of Love (Amy Clipston) - 4 stars
Amy’s novella was clearly the best. It was a cute story about a second chance at love, and I really enjoyed the cameos from the Amish homestead series.
The Cedar Chest (Beth Wiseman) - 1.5 stars
I feel like Beth Wiseman might not be for me. Her stories tend to be fairly depressing and this one was no different. Both the flashback story and the story in the present were depressing. It was weird because while the story was super dark, it seemed like the conflict was resolved too easily.
The Treasured Book (Kathleen Fuller) - 3 stars
This one was cute. I haven’t read many stories about a non Amish person becoming Amish, so that added an interesting dimension to the plot.
The Midwife’s Dream (Kelly Irvin) - 1.5 stars
The story didn’t “gel” with me. I didn’t like the romance at all - it was very sudden and I didn’t get a sense of the great love he had for her. The plotline about the abandoned baby seemed borrowed from the Canadian West series by Janette Oke.
Amy’s novella was clearly the best. It was a cute story about a second chance at love, and I really enjoyed the cameos from the Amish homestead series.
The Cedar Chest (Beth Wiseman) - 1.5 stars
I feel like Beth Wiseman might not be for me. Her stories tend to be fairly depressing and this one was no different. Both the flashback story and the story in the present were depressing. It was weird because while the story was super dark, it seemed like the conflict was resolved too easily.
The Treasured Book (Kathleen Fuller) - 3 stars
This one was cute. I haven’t read many stories about a non Amish person becoming Amish, so that added an interesting dimension to the plot.
The Midwife’s Dream (Kelly Irvin) - 1.5 stars
The story didn’t “gel” with me. I didn’t like the romance at all - it was very sudden and I didn’t get a sense of the great love he had for her. The plotline about the abandoned baby seemed borrowed from the Canadian West series by Janette Oke.
kristi518's review against another edition
4.0
Four stories by four authors all with the theme of cherished family heirlooms. These four enjoyable stories are quick reads that leave you feeling satisfied.
First up is a story by Amy Clipston. Amy always tells a good story and this one is no different. She has once again created a realistic story and characters that are genuine and easy to like. While there are characters from her newest series in the story it isn't necessary to read the book before reading this novella. It completely stands on its own.
Next up is Beth Wiseman's story. While I am fast becoming a fan of dual timeline stories I wasn't sure how one would be in a novella. Beth did a wonderful job though and I was quickly immersed in the stories of Isaac and Elizabeth and Catherine and Abram. I couldn't read this story fast enough as I just had to know what happened with these two couples. Beth does a great job of showing that the Amish don't have perfect lives and marriages. This well-written story was my favorite in the collection.
If you've read Kathleen Fuller's book Words from the Heart and fell in love with Cevilla great news! She's back in The Treasured Book and is up to her usual matchmaking antics. I can't get enough of this character and I loved her attempts at matchmaking Lucy and Shane. I quickly fell in love with these two characters and hoped Cevilla would be successful in bringing them together. Now perhaps Cevilla needs a match of her own? That would be a fun story to read. As is normal with any Kathleen Fuller book I read I was up late finishing this story.
Last but not least is Kelly Irvin's story. It was nice to catch up with the Jamesport Amish and see if Ivy's dreams would come true. Mahon is a bit of an awkward character but I found that endearing and it was heartwarming to see him and Ivy working together to find Lilly's parents. This is one of my favorite stories from this author. Once I started reading this story I couldn't put it down.
Fans of the genre or these authors are sure to enjoy these stories. All are well-written and complete stories that are quick and easy to read. After reading this collection I'm pretty sure I can no longer say I'm not a fan of novellas.
I received a free copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are mine.
First up is a story by Amy Clipston. Amy always tells a good story and this one is no different. She has once again created a realistic story and characters that are genuine and easy to like. While there are characters from her newest series in the story it isn't necessary to read the book before reading this novella. It completely stands on its own.
Next up is Beth Wiseman's story. While I am fast becoming a fan of dual timeline stories I wasn't sure how one would be in a novella. Beth did a wonderful job though and I was quickly immersed in the stories of Isaac and Elizabeth and Catherine and Abram. I couldn't read this story fast enough as I just had to know what happened with these two couples. Beth does a great job of showing that the Amish don't have perfect lives and marriages. This well-written story was my favorite in the collection.
If you've read Kathleen Fuller's book Words from the Heart and fell in love with Cevilla great news! She's back in The Treasured Book and is up to her usual matchmaking antics. I can't get enough of this character and I loved her attempts at matchmaking Lucy and Shane. I quickly fell in love with these two characters and hoped Cevilla would be successful in bringing them together. Now perhaps Cevilla needs a match of her own? That would be a fun story to read. As is normal with any Kathleen Fuller book I read I was up late finishing this story.
Last but not least is Kelly Irvin's story. It was nice to catch up with the Jamesport Amish and see if Ivy's dreams would come true. Mahon is a bit of an awkward character but I found that endearing and it was heartwarming to see him and Ivy working together to find Lilly's parents. This is one of my favorite stories from this author. Once I started reading this story I couldn't put it down.
Fans of the genre or these authors are sure to enjoy these stories. All are well-written and complete stories that are quick and easy to read. After reading this collection I'm pretty sure I can no longer say I'm not a fan of novellas.
I received a free copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are mine.
audiobooks_sweettea's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful collection of stories! Amy, Kathleen, and Kelly are among authors that I love to read and read over again. An Amish Heirloom is beautifully written and collaborated, and each story brought something new to the table. As soon as I opened the book, I was hooked.
Amy, Kathleen and Kelly all wrote amazing stories for this novella. I loved the firefighter in Amy’s story! Of course, I’m married to one so I’m always partial to them. But, in trademark Amy fashion she creates a story that is believable and captivating, and full of second chances. Her characters, Leon and Susie, are chiseled perfectly and she always leaves me wanting more.
Kathleen’s story of longing and hope is stunning and also beautifully written. Shane and Lucy are sweet characters and I loved watching them interact! The connection they share over a Bible is felt throughout their story and I didn’t want it to end.
Kelly wrote a sweet story of a quilt and a baby bringing two people who have longed for each other together is another well rounded, believable story and I loved every second of it! Kelly, like Kathleen and Amy, is a well seasoned author when it comes to creating stories of hope, longing and inspiration.
However, despite me loving those stories, I wasn’t overly fond of Beth’s story in this one. For a while now, I’ve had a hard time getting into her stories. Something about her writing style has changed and I find it difficult to get into. But, I didn’t let that deter me. I read her story and pushed on and finished it, and while I didn’t care for this one, it still lent a nice piece to the collaboration.
That all said, this is a 4 star read for me! These ladies bring inspiring messages to the table for their fans and left me wanting more from them. Each story has something in it that is special to the characters, and really made miss my grandmother (she passed away in 2017), and how she would make everyone a quilt here, or give them something special there, to cherish and love. Well done ladies, and I look forward to another collaboration!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Amy, Kathleen and Kelly all wrote amazing stories for this novella. I loved the firefighter in Amy’s story! Of course, I’m married to one so I’m always partial to them. But, in trademark Amy fashion she creates a story that is believable and captivating, and full of second chances. Her characters, Leon and Susie, are chiseled perfectly and she always leaves me wanting more.
Kathleen’s story of longing and hope is stunning and also beautifully written. Shane and Lucy are sweet characters and I loved watching them interact! The connection they share over a Bible is felt throughout their story and I didn’t want it to end.
Kelly wrote a sweet story of a quilt and a baby bringing two people who have longed for each other together is another well rounded, believable story and I loved every second of it! Kelly, like Kathleen and Amy, is a well seasoned author when it comes to creating stories of hope, longing and inspiration.
However, despite me loving those stories, I wasn’t overly fond of Beth’s story in this one. For a while now, I’ve had a hard time getting into her stories. Something about her writing style has changed and I find it difficult to get into. But, I didn’t let that deter me. I read her story and pushed on and finished it, and while I didn’t care for this one, it still lent a nice piece to the collaboration.
That all said, this is a 4 star read for me! These ladies bring inspiring messages to the table for their fans and left me wanting more from them. Each story has something in it that is special to the characters, and really made miss my grandmother (she passed away in 2017), and how she would make everyone a quilt here, or give them something special there, to cherish and love. Well done ladies, and I look forward to another collaboration!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
sleepysarah's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed all four stories in this collection, though the final was my favorite. They all had great characters and interesting plots.
tien's review against another edition
3.0
4 short romance stories in which each protagonist had to struggle with what's in their hearts, of who is the right 'special friend' for them, and what's God's plan for them.
I struggled with 3 of the stories because they were rather slow and I struggled especially with 1 because of the love triangle aspect of it. The last story, I thought, was the sweetest even if the protagonist has had a heart break (who hasn't!) but time heals and I do love a good best friend to special friend angle.
I struggled with 3 of the stories because they were rather slow and I struggled especially with 1 because of the love triangle aspect of it. The last story, I thought, was the sweetest even if the protagonist has had a heart break (who hasn't!) but time heals and I do love a good best friend to special friend angle.