Review: An Amish Christmas by Fuller, Wiseman, and Cameron

I finally had a chance to read An Amish Christmas, three short stories written by Kathleen Fuller, Beth Wiseman, and Barbara Cameron.

Because I had already read books by Kathleen and Beth, I almost flipped to the end to read the last story in the book by Barbara. For some reason, I changed my mind and was glad that I did. Unlike many novellas, An Amish Christmas was definitely a collaboration by Kathleen, Beth, and Barbara, intertwining the lives of previous characters.

Although you wouldn’t have to read the stories in order, it certainly keeps the characters and relationships a bit clearer.

Kathleen Fuller writes “A Miracle for Miriam,” a story about unmarried, “plain” Miriam. Miriam has always struggled with her self-esteem, especially because of some painful teasing during her school days. When the tormenter apologizes years later, Miriam has a difficult time believing his sincerity.

In “A Choice to Forgive,” Beth Wiseman tells us about Lydia, a widow who is unprepared for the surprise appearance of her first love on her doorstep. Daniel, her dead husband’s brother, left her on a Christmas Eve almost 20 years ago with nothing but a short note. When Lydia hears the truth, she feels doubly betrayed.

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron shares the struggle of Sarah and David to have a baby. The couple, still grieving a miscarriage that happened last Christmas, opens their home to an Englisch couple during a terrible winter storm. Jason and Kate are very clearly expecting their first child…soon. Will the pregnant guest and the coming baby add to Sarah’s hurt or help heal her grieving heart?

For the most part, I enjoyed each story. Even though novellas are meant to be fairly short, each story in An Amish Christmas was well developed and interesting. “A Choice to Forgive” was my least favorite. I felt that the physical tension between Lydia and Daniel was a bit too edgy for my taste. Although this didn’t really surprise me, since I’d read a previous book by Beth.

Thank you, Kathleen, Beth, and Barbara for allowing me to review An Amish Christmas through Thomas Nelson.

Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook.





**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family.**
___________________________________

Tags: An Amish Christmas Kathleen Fuller Amish fiction Beth Wiseman book reviews Barbara Cameron Thomas Nelson

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

Ahh, another “Amish” book.

But, I couldn’t resist when I was given the opportunity to review A Man of His Word. I didn’t really like the cover design, but I’ve always tried to remember the often-true saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

I’m glad I kept those words in mind…A Man of His Word was really good! Of all the “Amish-genre” authors that I’ve read, my favorite has always been Beverly Lewis. I sincerely hope that Kathleen Fuller will take it as a compliment that I felt I was reading one of Beverly’s books.

Moriah Miller, newly married and expecting a baby, is abandoned by her Amish husband. Stunned, utterly confused, and blaming herself, Moriah moves back with her parents, hoping and praying that her husband Levi will realize his mistake and return to his family.

In the background is Levi’s twin brother, Gabe, longing to offer Moriah more than his support and sympathy.

Kathleen writes an emotional story of loss and love. A Man of His Word was very engaging with well-developed characters. The book was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed.

Kathleen has another Amish-set book coming out in March 2010. I look forward to reading An Honest Love, as well as others by her.

320 pages by Thomas Nelson.

Recommend: YES




___________________________________

Tags: Kathleen Fuller A Man of His Word Christian fiction Amish Fiction book reviews Amish Thomas Nelson Beverly Lewis