An Amish Second Christmas and An Amish Garden by Tricia Goyer and Friends - Book reviews.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

An Amish Second Christmas

By Tricia Goyer, Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, and Kathleen Fuller

ISBN: 9781401689810

Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Celebrate Second Christmas, a treasured, lighthearted time of community, with four Amish romances. 

“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman

Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine  begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store. 

“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid

Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.

“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins. 

“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer

Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.

My review: If you are a fan of Amish books as I am you will enjoy this series of stories. I like how each of the stories are stand alone they also have a common thread in that the tell how each of them celebrate the "Second Christmas" - the day after Christmas. To me the second Christmas is kind of a neat idea. I had not heard about it before. The writing of each of these stories is so well that they are very quick reads. In fact I was able to read this book on a three day weekend. I am not sure which of these books would be listed as a favorite as they were all great stories. 

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

An Amish Garden

By: Tricia Goyer, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Vannetta Chapman

ISBN: 9781401689795

Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Gardens are a place to rest, to draw near, and to heal.

“Where Healing Blooms” by Vannetta Chapman

When Widow Emma Hochstetter discovers a run-away teenager in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a local woman and her two children she finds her quiet life has been interrupted. Then, her mother-in-law, Mary Ann, reveals one of her garden's hidden secrets, something very unexpected. Will she continue alone or will she accept the gifts God has given her?

"Flowers for Rachael" by Kathleen Fuller

Rachael Bontrager’s flower garden is beautiful, but at twenty-four, she’s  lonely. Gideon Beiler fell in love with Rachael almost at first sight. After her grandfather has a stroke, her days are filled with caring for him, and one day Rachael finds her garden in shambles. However, she won’t accept Gideon’s offers of help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own and that God is in control?

“Seeds of Love” by Tricia Goyer

Sadie Chupp finds her greatest joy in the greenhouses in her Montana community. A company is interested in buying her heirloom seeds, but they are the only thing she has left from her deceased parents. Eli Plank is a traveling bachelor who believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and let the seeds of a new relationship take root?

“Rooted in Love” by Beth Wiseman

Rosemary Lantz is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down.  What Saul doesn’t know is that she has good reason—something no one can know—especially not him.

My review: I have to say when you get these authors together to write a book you know you will have an awarding winning book on your hands. Like the Christmas book each of these stories can be read as a stand alone but the are each tied together by gardening themes. This book is the perfect one to read now while you are awaiting spring to come in. I like that there is some romance in these stories but not overwhelming with it, just a nice love story. Each of the stories are about a young woman finding her way. As with each book I have ever read by these authors - writing is great and they pull in you so you lose track of time and next thing you know the story is over. I highly recommend this book as it is like getting four books in one.