An Amish Summer: Four Novellas

Happy Book Release Day!  I just love waking up with new books on my kindle.  A few of the books released today are Naomi's Hope by Jan Drexler, Once Upon a Spine by Kate Carlisle, Only Skein Deep by Maggie Sefton, With You Always by Jody Hedlund, French Fried by Kylie Logan, Patterned After Death by Elizabeth Lynn Casey, An Amish Summer by various authors (see below) and The Black Cat Sees His Shadow by Kay Finch. 

An Amish Summer is a collection of four novellas by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin and Shelley Shepard Gray.  A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray takes readers to Pinecraft, Florida where Graham Holland and Sherry Kramer have agreed to meet.  The two have been corresponding for six months after meeting at a wedding in Shipshewana.  Sherry is joined by her sister, Sharon and their friends, Vera and Carla.  Upon arrival Graham realizes he has made a mistake.  Graham has been writing to the wrong sister.  He met both sisters at the wedding very briefly, but one made a bigger impression (he just got their names mixed up).  How does Graham tell Sherry about his error?  He decides to keep it a secret for the time being (not a good idea).  During the vacation, Graham spends time with both sisters, and he ends up more confused.  When Graham finally figures out his feelings, Sherry discovers his secret (about the mix-up). How will this story end?

Summer Storms by Amy Clipston is set in Maryland at Cascade Lake.  Arianna Smucker is looking forward to her wedding to Jesse Zook in November.  But then Jesse tries to help Tobias, his best friend and Arianna’s brother.  Jesse and Tobias have a buggy accident that lands Jesse in trouble with Marvin Smucker, Arianna’s father.  He calls of Jesse and Arianna’s engagement.  Can Jesse repair the damage and get back in Marvin and Arianna’s good graces?  Will there be a wedding for this couple in November?

Kathleen Fuller contributed Lakeside Love.  Esther Coblentz lives on Coblentz Farm with her parents, brother and sister.  Esther has liked Judah King for years, but Judah only has eyes for her pretty sister, Sarah.  Rhett Davidson, an Englischer and college student, is staying with the family for a month.  Esther makes friends with Rhett as she introduces him to Amish life.  Judah starts to notice Esther in a different light and it confuses him.  Is there a chance for Esther and Judah?

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin takes readers back to Bee County, Texas.  Martha Byler is attracted to Jacob King, but he has yet to put his rumspringa behind him.  One night Jacob is taking Martha home when they are stopped by a very drunk Dwayne.  Dwayne wishes to go alligator hunting in the dark and out of season.  Jacob cannot leave Dwayne to his own devices and assists him much to Martha’s dismay.  Martha helped raise her younger siblings for the last ten years, and she wants a responsible person for her partner.  Over the summer, Martha spends more time with Jacob and starts noticing a change within him.  There just might be a future for Jacob and Martha.

An Amish Summer contains four well-written and engaging stories.  I liked the characters and the different settings.  All the stories have the familiar theme of love and enjoying the summer months.  Each story has a different moral or life lesson which include forgiveness, faith, power of prayer, trust, commitment, confidence in yourself, and responsibility.    I thought each novella was just the right length.  I found the stories to be uplifting, and I was left with a good feeling when I finished this book.  I give An Amish Summer 5 out of 5 stars.  My favorite story was A Reunion in Pinecraft.  It had a lighter feeling to it and it was nice to revisit the Orange Blossom Inn in Pinecraft (The Pinecraft Brides series).  One Sweet Kiss had a slower pace than the other novellas, but it was nice to catch up with characters from The Amish of Bee County series.  All of the stories can be purchased separately or together.  An Amish Summer contains charming, tender stories that will appeal to your romantic side.

I hope you also added some new books to your TBR pile.  I am currently reading Ghostal Living by Kathleen Bridge (just received it from publisher).  May you have a very special day!  Make sure to take time out for yourself.  I will return on Wednesday to review Only Skein Deep by Maggie Sefton.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader