The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman

 The Amish Matchmakers

Book Summary

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.

My Thoughts

The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman takes us back to the Peony Inn owned by Esther and Lizzie.  I just love Esther and Lizzie.  They are delightful characters.  You never know what Lizzie will do next.  The renter of their guest cottage, Dr. Benjamin Stoltzfus (a retired dentist) has Lizzie’s curiosity piqued.  There is the tiny problem of Lizzie being afraid to enter the cottage because she believes the former lodger is haunting it.  I enjoyed getting to know Ben as well as his granddaughter, Mindy.  Mindy appears taken with Lizzie and Esther’s handyman, Gabriel.  A relationship between the pair seems impossible since one is Englisch and the other is Amish.  Of course, the same can be said for Ben and Lizzie.  I laughed often while reading The Amish Matchmakers.  Misconceptions, miscommunication, rivalry, and shenanigans provide plenty of humor.  Life with Lizzie is never dull.   They do say that laughter is good for the soul.  There are touching moments as well.  I love the closeness between Lizzie and Esther.  They are sisters and best friends.   If someone truly knows you, you cannot keep a secret from them.  

 I like how faith was incorporated into the story.  He has a plan for our lives.  We need to put our faith in Him and follow the path He lays out for us.  We get to see a beautiful illustration of this truth in The Amish Matchmakers.  I appreciated that the author showed that you are never too old to fall in love (I am hoping there is a Mr. Right out there for me).  I loved the epilogue which made sure I ended the story with a smile on my face.  The Amish Matchmakers has family, friendship, love, and faith.   The Amish Matchmakers can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out on some entertaining stories (part of The Amish Inn Novels).  The Amish Matchmakers is a lively tale with compassionate sisters, a dashing dentist, a loving granddaughter, a friendly handyman, several secrets, and loads of laughter. 

The Amish Matchmakers is available from Amazon*.  The Amish Matchmakers is part of The Amish Inn Novels.  You can find Beth Wiseman's other books here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Murder by the Seashore by Samara Yew.  It is the debut of A California Bookshop Mysteries.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hopefully Ever After by Beth Wiseman

 Hopefully Ever After

Book Summary

To become who they’re meant to be, Eden and Samuel must find the courage to defy expectations.

Sixteen-year-old Eden Hale doesn’t want to be defined by her current circumstances. With absent parents and a troubled past, Eden refuses to become what people expect. When she is sent to live with an Amish cousin she’s never met in Montgomery, Indiana, she welcomes the chance to become the person she wants to be without the burden of anyone’s judgment. Her hopes are confirmed when she meets Samuel, a young Amish man who seems to like her for who she really is.

Samuel Byler has grown up with strict Amish parents, and they aren’t happy that their only son is choosing to spend his free time with an outsider. As Eden and Samuel grow closer, disapproval swirls around the young couple. It isn’t long before Eden starts to doubt herself and wonders if she is doomed to repeat the mistakes of her own past, whether she wants to or not. Meanwhile, Samuel finds himself slipping further and further from his faith—to Eden’s dismay.

Both Eden’s and Samuel’s futures hang in the balance as they face decisions about who they are meant to be—both as individuals and together.

My Thoughts

Hopefully Ever After by Beth Wiseman is the third An Amish Bookstore Novel.  It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.  It allows you to get the full experience.   I thought Hopefully Ever After was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Eden Hale.  She is a special young lady who will touch your heart.  The author created wonderful characters for this story.  I like that we get to catch up with the characters from The Bookseller’s Promise and The Story of Love.  I was glad that we got to spend more time in the bookstore.  Eden is fascinated by the idea that coins may be hidden inside the bookshop.  Eden meets Samuel Byler who wants to experience the Englisch world and is struggling with his faith.  Samuel’s parents are strict.  They do not want their children to leave the Amish faith.  However, their tight hold may drive Samuel away.  I like that we get to see that the Amish struggle with their beliefs as do their Englisch counterparts.  We also see that Amish parents are just like Englisch parents.  They want to keep their children safe and nearby.   We get to see that people make assumptions about a person based on their past and rumors.  In order to truly know an individual, you need to spend time with them.  A person can change and overcome their past if they remember to keep God at the center of our lives.   Hopefully Ever After is a story with hope, faith, forgiveness, redemption, family, and young love.  I loved the ending.  I am glad we got to spend more time with Yvonne and Abraham (such a sweet couple).  Hopefully Ever After is an expressive story with a visiting teen, a restrictive rumspringa, a wayfaring aunt, strict parents, finding forgiveness, and God’s grace.  

Hopefully Ever After is available from Amazon*.  The first two An Amish Bookstore Novels are The Bookseller's Promise and The Story of Love.  Beth Wiseman has The Amish Matchmakers coming out October 17.  You can follow Beth Wiseman on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, April 18 with Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner.  I hope that you have a fun weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The Story of Love by Beth Wiseman

 The Story of Love

Book Summary

They come from different backgrounds . . . But are they destined to write a new chapter together?

With little left to tie her to her home state of Texas and yearning for a slower life, Yvonne Wilson jumps at the chance to shake things up with a move to Montgomery, Indiana. A dream job awaits her—managing an Amish bookstore for her good friends Jake and Eva. Besides the slow-paced setting and the comfort of beloved books, Yvonne hopes the change will help distract her from the emptiness she feels after the death of her fiancé.

Amish bookstore (no electricity)

No longer a part of the Amish community but still a resident of Montgomery, Abraham Byler finds himself in over his head with his job as a police officer combined with a new but fast-moving relationship with the wealthy and aggressive New York native Brianna Stone. When Abraham realizes that his old crush Yvonne is back in town, he’s not just in over his head—he suddenly finds himself head over heels for Yvonne—and in hot water with Brianna.

When the violence of police work comes up against his pacifist upbringing, Abraham is forced to question his original decision to leave the Amish faith for his career. Meanwhile, Yvonne is asking her own questions about why she feels such a deep peace in Montgomery—and how much that feeling has to do with Abraham and how much has to do with the workings of her own heart.

My Thoughts

The Story of Love by Beth Wiseman was a delight to read. It is the second book in The Amish Bookstore Novels.  It can be read as a standalone, but you will get the bigger picture if you read The Bookseller’s Promise first.  I thought The Story of Love was well-written with relatable characters.  I enjoyed getting to know Yvonne and Abraham.  I am glad the author gave Yvonne her own story.  We met her in the first book, but we really get to know her in this one.  Abraham grew up Amish, but he decided to not become baptized.  He joined the police force which is a very un-Amish profession.  I loved that we get to catch up with Eva and Jake from The Bookseller’s Promise.  Eva is such a lively character.  

Blue Heeler

The Story of Love has mystery, suspense, and romance.  I especially enjoyed the mystery (I love solving a whodunit).  There are some touching moments, especially with Yvonne and the dog who decided her porch was his new home.  I like that Christmas is shown in a different light.  We get to see Yvonne experience her first Christmas as a Christian.  She gets to experience the true meaning of the season.  I also liked that the gifts given were useful and homemade.  The author’s word imagery had me feeling the cold of Indiana.  I could just imagine Yvonne shivering inside the farmhouse.  I loved Yvonne’s delight with the falling snow (wait until her first blizzard).  The story is told from three points-of-view:  Yvonne, Abraham, and Brianna.  Brianna is the woman Abraham is dating when Yvonne moves to Montgomery, Indiana.  We get to see how jealousy can affect a person.  Sometimes the green-eyed monster can make an individual do things they would not normally do.  I like how the various storylines all worked together in this book (so much going on).  There is some repetition of details (how Yvonne lost her fiancé, failed to write Abraham back, Abraham is dating Yvonne).  I loved the ending which left me smiling.  The Story of Love is a book that I stayed up very late to finish.  I am eager to read Hopefully Ever After.  The Story of Love is a captivating Amish tale with wintry weather, a dirty dog, a pair’s rough relationship, crafting presents, telling traces, and a cheerful Christmas.  

The Story of Love will be out Tuesday, October 10 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first book in The Amish Bookstore Novels is The Bookseller's Promise.  The third novel in The Amish Bookstore Novels is Hopefully Ever After which will be out on April 18, 2023.  You can find Beth Wiseman's other novels here.  Thank you so much for dropping by today.  Next time I am featuring On the Way to Christmas by Sheila Roberts, Melissa Fergusson, and Amy Clipston.  

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Bookseller's Promise by Beth Wiseman

The Bookseller's Promise

Book Summary

In the first novel of Beth Wiseman’s new Amish Bookstore series, a rare, old book may hold answers to a present-day romance.

Yvonne Wilson arrives in Montgomery, Indiana, determined to purchase a rare book on behalf of a client willing to pay her an absurd amount of money for her efforts. Engaged to be married in a few months, Yvonne is thrown off guard when she finds herself attracted to the handsome bookstore owner, Jake Lantz—and now she’s asking herself unexpected questions about her future.

Jake Lantz made a promise to his grandfather to never sell the book Yvonne wants to buy, and it’s a promise he plans to keep. Jake begins to read the book with Eva, one of his employees, and Eva sees this time together as a way to get Jake to see her in a new light. Eva’s loved him for years but senses Yvonne’s attraction to Jake right away—and she wonders how Jake feels about Yvonne, an attractive English woman determined to stay in Montgomery until she convinces Jake to sell the rare book.

As Yvonne’s, Jake’s, and Eva’s individual paths merge into something more than they could have imagined, each must face decisions they never anticipated. Will Jake ultimately break his promise to his grandfather? Will Yvonne leave the quaint life she’s been living in Amish Country to go back to her fiancé? And will Eva be able to get Jake to see her as more than a friend? The answers just might be buried within the pages of a rare book.

My Thoughts

Yvonne Wilson is a book broker, and she is trying to get Jake Lantz to sell her a rare volume.  Jake made a promise to his grandfather that he would never sell the book.  Yvonne travels to Montgomery, Indiana to convince Jake to sell her the book.  Yvonne does not know how anyone can resist $100,000.  Yvonne is engaged to marry Trevor in a few months, but she finds herself attracted to the handsome Amish bookseller.  She can tell, though, that his employee, Eva is in love with him.  Yvonne’s visit along with the rare book is about to change all of their lives.  

The Bookseller’s Promise by Beth Wiseman is a heartwarming Amish tale.  It is the beginning of The Amish Bookstore Novels.  This novel is well-written with realistic, developed characters.  The story is told from three points-of-view:  Eva, Jake, and Yvonne (the Englischer).  I like that we get to see things from each of their perspectives, but it does lead to some repetition.  I liked this unique Amish novel.  It is not your standard Amish romance.  Family and faith play a big role in the story.  It is important to pray and rely on God.  He is there for us in the tough times and the good.  Yvonne was raised by her aunt and uncle who are unbelievers.  Yvonne does not believe in heaven which surprises Jake and Eva.  I liked following Yvonne as she spent time in Montgomery and got to know people.  Yvonne is in for a surprising journey.  The romance was sweet and amusing at times.  It is a clean story with the only PDA being a few kisses.  It was interesting learning about the special book that Yvonne’s client desires.   I enjoyed the epilogue which paves the way for The Story of Love.  I cannot wait to read the next chapter in these characters' lives.  The Bookseller’s Promise is a touching story with a treasured tome, wedding worries, an unexpected trip, a clamorous client, a bouncy buggy ride, an astounding accident, an extraordinary revelation, and a gracious God.

The Bookseller's Promise publishes Tuesday, April 26 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The next The Amish Bookstore Novel is The Story of Love which comes out October 11 (Yvonne's story).  You can find Beth Wiseman's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with Beautiful by Danielle Steel.  I hope that you have a sweet day (I am enjoying my Easter caramels).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter 

I hope that you and your family have a Happy Easter.  I also hope that you get plenty of sweet treats!  I asked the Easter Bunny (aka my mother) for Werther's Soft Caramels (they are delicious).  Take care and stay safe!

Happy Easter!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman

 A Season of Change

Book Summary

Finding peace means letting go of the past—and embracing the change that is to come. 

Sisters Esther and Lizzie have a new employee, Rose Petersheim, to help them tend to The Peony Inn. But their old matchmaking ways have stayed the same. The sisters focus their efforts on the lovely twenty-five-year-old Rose. Though Rose is witty and outspoken, her nervous chattering makes her the best match for someone calm and good at listening. Someone like Benjamin—the handsome handyman who recently moved to town. 

But when Esther receives an anonymous love letter and flowers, Rose’s love life is no longer the only one capturing the sisters’ attention. As they sleuth around searching for Esther’s secret admirer, they uncover that their grumpy renter, Gus, has a secret of his own that could bring about a difficult change in all their lives. And their continued meddling in Rose’s affairs reveals she, too, is hiding something—an old wound that could threaten her future happiness. 

As Rose, Lizzie, Esther, and Gus struggle to release the weight of their pasts, they discover that although people are complicated, love doesn’t need to be. 

This charming third installment of the Amish Inn series from bestselling author Beth Wiseman is a picture of loss and healing in which forgiveness will prove to be the greatest act of love.

My Thoughts

Esther and Lizzie Zook run The Peony Inn with help from their latest helper, Rose.  The sisters, Esther and Lizzie enjoy playing matchmaker and their latest target is Rose.  They have decided to match up their extroverted, talkative helper with the quiet, introverted newcomer, Benjamin.  Esther is surprised when she receives a bouquet of flowers with a sweet note from a secret admirer.  Lizzie wants to find out who left them for Esther, and she sincerely hopes it is not Gus.  Gus takes off for a few days which worries Esther.  She wonders what he is up to and is he alright.  Lizzie and Esther’s latest match-up has hit a roadblock.  Lizzie is sure they are meant to be together and sets out to figure out what went wrong.  Join Esther, Lizzie, Rose, Gus, and their rest of the family at The Peony Inn.

A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman is the 3^rd An Amish Inn Novel.  It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading all three books in the sweet series.  There is a great cast of characters.  I love the sisters, Esther and Lizzie.  They are entertaining and had me laughing.  The secondary characters are just as developed.  Rose is the latest helper at the bed and breakfast. She has not revealed her past and Rose chatters nonstop (at least it feels that way to Esther sometimes).  I am glad that we get to learn more about Rose.  Gus is his usual cantankerous self who loves to rile up Lizzie. I am glad that we got to catch up with Naomi and Amos plus their twins as well as Jayce and Evelyn.  I found A Season of Change to be well-written with steady pacing.  There are good life lessons in this story.  It is never too late to find or give forgiveness.  The other lesson is to always be yourself.  The right person will come along who will love you just as you are.  This was a novel that I did not want to rush through.  I wanted to savor each moment.  A Season of Change is a touching tale.  You will need to have the tissue box nearby for the emotional ending.  The epilogue was sweet.  A Season of Change is an emotional Amish story with baseball bat combat, cat food feedings, a parent problem, flower reconnaissance, numerous naps, and a family of friends.

A Season of Change is available from Amazon*.  The other The Amish Inn Novels are A Picture of Love and An Unlikely Match.  You can follow Beth Wiseman on Amazon so you can receive updates on her latest releases.  Thank you for joining me today.  I do appreciate it.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Twisted Tea Christmas by Laura Childs tomorrow. It is the first Christmas A Tea Shop Mystery.  I hope you have a  day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman

 An Unlikely Match

Book Summary

When sparks fly between a good Amish girl and a hunky member of the Hollywood elite, even matchmaking innkeepers Esther and Lizzie know better than to fan the flames. 

Evelyn Schrock has dismissed the attempts of every young man in her small Amish community to court her. She’s willing to wait for a suitor who shares her curiosities about life and faith. 

The only reason Jayce Clarkson is in Amish country hefting equipment for his famous father’s movie production company is for the paycheck. The homestyle cooking at the Peony Inn is a perk though, as is his friendship with Evelyn Schrock. If Jayce can endure his dad’s put-downs for a month, he’ll finally be in a position to make a fresh start—somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and the shadow of his checkered past. 

To matchmakers Esther and Lizzie, the widowed sisters who operate the inn, Jayce seems like a good man stuck in a life he doesn’t want. But the boy isn’t Amish, and that leaves far too much room for broken hearts. Despite that, Jayce and Evelyn start to realize that they can’t deny their growing attraction. Any path forward seems impossible, and they will have to learn what the future will look like when they leave their fate in Gott’s hands. 

My Thoughts

An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman is the 2^nd book in The Amish Inn Novels.  Esther and Lizzie have twelve guests descending on The Peony Inn from Los Angeles.  Lizzie told Esther that the guests are from a produce company with meetings in the area.  It turns out that it is a production company.  They will be staying a month while they shoot a movie nearby.  The ladies are unprepared for the two limousines as well as two large RVs with their loud generators.  It seems that some of the guests are not willing to live without modern conveniences.  Jayce Clarkson meets Evelyn Schrock and is smitten with her.  Evelyn knows that they cannot be, but she is attracted to Jayce.  He is the first man with whom she could envision having a future.  What does God have in store for these star-crossed lovers?  An Unlikely Match can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out on a cute Amish novel if you do not read A Picture of Love.  I thought An Unlikely Match was well-written with great characters.  I love Esther and Lizzie.  In addition, there is grumpy Gus who surprises you at times.  We get to meet Rose who is Esther and Lizzie’s new helper.  They need to keep Rose away from sugar and caffeine.  There is one scene with Rose that had me laughing so hard.   An Unlikely Match is a character driven book.  I enjoyed the witty banter.  We get to see the differences between the Englisch and Amish worlds in this story.  Jayce is curious about the Amish.  He asks Evelyn many questions about the Amish and their beliefs.  There are some touching moments in this tale.  I like how faith was incorporated into the story.  It is present and the point is made without it being preachy.  Prayer and the importance of listening for God’s voice are items I gleamed from the story.  An Unlikely Match is one of those stories that you do not want to end.  I am eager for the next book in The Amish Inn Novels.  An Unlikely Match is a delightful Amish tale with septuagenarian matchmakers, a grumpy Gus, an energetic Rose, rain galore, clamorous generators, and mouthwatering meals.

An Unlikely Match can be purchased from Amazon*.  The first book in The Amish Inn Novels is A Picture of Love.  A Season of Change is the 3rd book in the series and it publishes October 5.  You can find Beth Wiseman's other novels here.  I appreciate you joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Every Window Filled with Light by Sheila Stovall.  It is the first book in The Wendell Novels.  I hope that you have 

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman

A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman

Book Summary

A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman has Naomi Byler working as housekeeper and cook at The Peony Inn.  The bed and breakfast is owned by widowed sisters, Esther and Lizzie who consider Naomi a granddaughter.  Naomi had her heart broken when her fiancé, Thomas broke off their engagement and left town without an explanation.  Amos Lantz and his mother, Anna Mae come to town for a family wedding.  Amos lost his fiancé to cancer a year ago and the last thing he wishes to do is attend a wedding.  When Amos sees Naomi for the first time, he notices her beauty and recognizes that she is grieving as well. The pair begin chatting and discover they have several things in common including painting.  Neither one has painted since their loss and they decide to take time each evening to paint a sunset scene.  As they spend time together, Amos and Naomi become friends.  Lizzie and Esther love playing matchmaker.  They feel Naomi and Amos are perfect for each and so does Amos’ mother, Anna Mae.   They finagle ways for the pair to spend time together.  But then Naomi’s ex-fiancé, Thomas returns to town and he wants Naomi back.  It is what Naomi has dreamed of since the day Thomas broke her heart.  But is it what her heart still wants?

My Thoughts

A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is the debut of The Amish Inn Novels.  This was an entertaining Amish story.  I found it to be well-written with the story moving along at a steady pace.  The characters are developed and lively.  Lizzie and Esther are a hoot.  I just love the widowed sisters who know each other’s foibles and bicker frequently.  They are as opposite as two sisters can be (remind me of my sister and myself).  Neither one had children and they consider Naomi Byler a granddaughter.  They care for her dearly and want to see her happy again.  There are some things Lizzie would love to do to Thomas, Naomi’s ex-fiancé.  When Amos arrives, the sisters notice how he looks at Naomi.  The sisters decide to give the pair a little push (sometimes a shove) towards love. There are a couple of side stories in A Picture of Love.  Esther is having some physical symptoms that have her worried. As much as she dislikes doctor’s, Esther knows she must bite the bullet.  Esther gets help from their grumpy renter, Gus Owens.  She works a deal out for his help.  Lizzie cannot stand Gus Owens.  Lizzie and Gus trade verbal barbs quite often (they are hilarious).  It turns out that Gus has a daughter he has not seen in over thirty years.  She has decided to visit, so Gus wants to spruce up his appearance (it needs it).    Mary and John Lapp rent the Dawdi Haus on the property.  They have been married five years and unable to conceive.  It has begun to affect their marriage. The Thomas situation left me with a few questions that I wish had been answered.  I loved the humor in the story.  I liked that A Picture of Love was not a traditional Amish romance.   I laughed often while reading this amusing tale especially the scene with Lizzie and the kitten.  Lizzie provided several laugh-out-loud moments for me.  I liked that in A Picture of Love we get to see that you never know what God has in store for you.   A Picture of Love is a story of forgiveness, second chances, faith, God’s timing, and love.  This was a delightful and engaging story, and I am eager to read the next book in The Amish Inn Novels.  A Picture of Love is a diverting Amish story with picture painting, merry matchmaking, pie payment, a cute kitten, hair help, and sister shenanigans. 

A Picture of Love is available from Amazon* along with other major booksellers.  You can find Beth Wiseman's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  Tomorrow I am featuring A Page Marked for Murder by Lauren Elliott.  It is the 5th A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery.  I am heading back to my cleaning.  I learned that you need to remove pictures and dust behind them periodically (never thought about it before).  The same goes for books on the shelves.  I knew I owned hundreds of books, but I now believe it is a much higher number.  I keep finding books in a variety of locations (under a bench, a chair, the couch, etc.). As much as it pains me to do it, I am weeding down my collection. I hope that you have a productive day.  Be sure to vote today.  Every vote counts in this important election.  I sent my mail in ballot in over two weeks ago.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Beautiful Arrangement by Beth Wiseman

Good Day!  I hope you are doing well.  A Shop Girl at Sea by Rachel Brimble which is the fourth novel in the Pennington's series comes out tomorrow, April 9.   It will be available on Kindle Unlimited.  New members can get two months for free at this time instead of the normal 30 days.  Sunrise on Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr releases April 14.  Secrets of the Treasure King by Terry Ambrose is the fourth book in A Seaside Cove Bed and Breakfast.  It publishes on April 29 and it will also be available through Kindle Unlimited.  I am thankful for all these new books available to read.  We may not be able to travel anywhere physically, but through a book, we am able to travel around the world.

A Beautiful Arrangement by Beth Wiseman is the third An Amish Journey Novel.  Lydia Bontrager is seventeen years old and married to Samuel with a six-month-old daughter.  Lydia and Samuel were forced to marry by their parents after she became pregnant.  They went from lust to marriage skipping the courtship stage of the relationship.  Lydia wants romance and a chance to fall in love with the husband she hardly knows.  Samuel and Lydia are asked to introduce Joe, a co-worker of Samuel’s to Beverly, a friend of Lydia’s.  The foursome have a lively dinner together and then a picnic.  Lydia and Samuel like watching their friends fall in love.  It gives Samuel the idea to court Lydia.  Just when they are getting to know each other, Lydia and Beverly begin looking into the local homeless woman with a mysterious past.  Samuel wants Lydia to avoid the woman, but Lydia wants to help her.  Will Lydia and Samuel get the chance to have a traditional marriage?  While A Beautiful Arrangement is the third book in An Amish Journey series, it can be read as a standalone.  I have enjoyed all three novels and I recommend reading Hearts in Harmony and Listening to Love.  I thought A Beautiful Arrangement was well-written with realistic characters.  Lydia is a seventeen-year-old who is unready for marriage especially to a man she hardly knows.  Her six-month-old daughter, Maddie has been crying each day and Lydia does not why.  She feels like a bad mother (I know that feeling).  Lydia and Samuel want to improve their marriage, but they do not share these thoughts we each other.   They both have fears, regrets, and hopes.  When they introduce Beverly and Joe to each other, they get to join them on a couple of dates.  It gives Samuel and Lydia a chance to get to know each other.  They are each afraid to make the first move, though, for fear of rejection.  Samuel is also worried about his elderly parents.  His father has heart problems and his mother is unable to care for him like she used to.  Beverly and Joe were delightful additions to the story.  Joe is a lively man with a humorous side. I liked the addition of the mystery involving the homeless Amish woman.  It added more depth and interest to this engaging Amish novel.  I quickly found myself engrossed in this appealing story.  A Beautiful Arrangement is a poignant tale with regrets, friendship, faith, family, fear, hopefulness, and romance.  

A Beautiful Arrangement is available from Amazon* (plus Barnes & Noble, CBD, Kobo).  The other two novels in An Amish Journey series are Hearts in Harmony and Listening to Love.   Thank you for stopping by today.  I appreciate it.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Murder in the Secret Maze by Judith Gonda.  It is the debut A Tory Benning Mystery series.  I hope you have a pleasing day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

An Amish Christmas Bakery by Amy Clipston: Excerpt and Review

About the Book

Book:  An Amish Christmas Bakery

Author: Various Authors

Genre: Amish Fiction, Romance

Release Date: October 2, 2019

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four delicious novellas perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the holiday season.

Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston  (available here)

As Christmas draws near, Alyssa Byler dreams of a window display for the bakery where she works. When she decides to design and build a sugar cookie nativity scene, all she needs is the right cookie cutters-and handsome blacksmith Kyle Smoker is the one she asks for help. Using Kyle’s handmade cutters, Alyssa creates a striking display that brings more tourists to the bakery than she can handle.

And when shoppers request handmade cookie cutters of their own, Kyle finds himself overwhelmed by the demand. As Christmas approaches, Alyssa realizes she’s been too caught up in work to focus on the true meaning of Christmas-and too distracted to explore the feelings she has for Kyle. Together, they put aside the holiday rush and spend their time celebrating the season that has brought them together.

Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman (available here)

As the only girl in a family of eight, Katie Swartzentruber has been left in charge of her family’s bakery while her mother recuperates from surgery. At first, Katie doesn’t think tending to the bakery alone will be difficult. She’s worked alongside her mother for years. But Christmas is coming, and with the holiday comes a flood of patrons, both regulars and tourists. When Katie becomes overwhelmed with the orders she is receiving, she is tempted to move her Old Order family into the modern world by purchasing propane ovens to help with the workload. She finds help from an unexpected source-childhood friend Henry Hershberger, who has harbored a secret crush on Katie for years. He’s been afraid to tell her how he feels, but he’s sure that this Christmas is his moment. As the demands of the bakery only get more intense, both Katie and Henry have to decide what really matters . . . and find the courage within themselves to go after it.

Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller (available here)

Mattie Shetler is an expert baker, so when her aunt Carolyn begs for help during the busy Christmas rush, Mattie eagerly packs her bags and heads to Birch Creek. What she doesn’t know is that her uncle has also asked for help with the bakery’s new expansion, and he’s asked none other than Peter Kaufman, Mattie’s sworn enemy. As the two work side by side, though, Mattie discovers not all is as it seems. With Christmas just around the corner, Mattie and Peter open their hearts for the greatest gifts of the season: forgiveness and maybe even love.

Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin (available here)

Martha Ropp works hard at her family’s bakery, making cakes and pies in preparation not only for Christmas but the many community weddings, including her sister’s. To help during this busy season, Martha’s mother hires Ambrose Hershberger to make deliveries. Martha remembers Ambrose as a gentle giant from her school days, but soon discovers that still waters run deep. The more they work together, the more they want to spend time together outside of the bakery, but both Martha and Ambrose are too timid to make the first move. That’s when the town matchmakers step in.

Click here to get your copy. 

My Thoughts

An Amish Christmas Bakery by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kelly Irvin and Kathleen Fuller contains four Amish Christmas stories filed with joy, hope, faith, and love.  I thought they were all well-written with steady pacing and relatable characters.  I enjoyed reading each of the four tales.  While the stories are cohesive (bakery theme), each novella has the authors distinctive writing voice.  Cookies and Cheer was such a sweet story with the sugar cookie nativity scene (sounds lovely).  I liked the characters and the moral of the story (the true meaning of Christmas).  It has Amy Clipston’s engaging writing which made Cookies and Cheer a pleasure to read.  Each novella has a life lesson, Christmas cheer and romance.  In Melting Hearts, we see the importance of forgiveness.  I could relate to Martha Ropp in Cakes and Kisses with her severe migraines (poor thing).  My favorite phrases came from Cakes and Kisses.  It is “We are all the same in God’s eyes.”  Wouldn’t the world be a different place if everyone viewed individual’s in this manner!  Each of these stories will have you smiling and sometimes laughing.  An Amish Christmas Bakery contains four heartwarming novellas with mouthwatering baked goods, the true meaning of Christmas, good friends, and tender romance. 

Read an Excerpt

Read an excerpt of An Amish Christmas Bakery by clicking here.  Enjoy!

Decorated Sugar Cookie

An Amish Christmas Bakery is available here* (Amazon UK).  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my review of The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston which is the first book in the Found Things series.  On Sundays I feature books that I was unable to when they were released.  I hope that you have a day filled with sweet treats.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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