Review: The Promise of a Letter by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A letter brings him back to Birch Creek. Can one feisty woman make him stay?

Roman is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He feels confined by the strict rules and longs to do something more with his life. But when his brother is gravely injured, Roman receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to move to Birch Creek to help the young family.

Leanna Chupp as always made her own way in her small community of Birch Creek. Though some may call her unconventional--strange, even--Leanna is passionate about her faith. Her unique outlook on life has meant she’s never had many suitors pursuing courtship, but she is happy being single and believes she always will be.

But when Roman and Leanna find themselves working together again, everything changes. Neither of them fit squarely within the strictures of the Amish faith, but could their differences be the one thing that helps them form a deeper connection to their faith . . . and each other?


My Review

I absolutely loved Leanna! She is a unique character that owns her eccentricities and enjoys her independence. I admired her confidence, yet in this story her confidence is deeply shaken when her life is turned upside down in more than one unforeseen way. The manner in which she deals with her new circumstances and new friendship with Roman shows her compassion and ability to forgive. I enjoyed seeing Roman's journey as he is searching for his place and purpose despite being the black sheep of the family. We also see the struggles of Roman's brother Daniel and his wife Barbara which are heartbreaking but also full of hope and God's grace. Even though Roman and Daniel's grandmother has passed away, she is a major influence in the book and the lives of these men as she encourages them via letter to reconcile and support each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and connecting with the characters! I can't wait to see what's next in the series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Extras

Check out the author's special Pinterest boards focused on the themes in the book:

The Promise of a Letter: Journal Ideas

The Promise of a Letter: Be Unique

The Promise of a Letter: Scripture

Review: Written in Love by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When a postal error creates pen pals of two young Amish people, can they put behind their past mistakes to see the bright future God has written for them?

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.

Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.

In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them could pen.

My Review

I love letter writing, so the meet-cute via postal service was one that caught my attention and was so sweet! For the amount of communication Jalon and Phoebe do in the beginning through letters, they have an awful lot of miscommunication once they meet in real life. Jalon is a private person and finds it hard to verbalize his feelings, which is probably why letter writing was easier for him than face-to-face interactions. Despite his reticence, Phoebe can see his compassion, kindness, and strength, especially with her son. I liked that neither of them are perfect, but they draw close to each other even though their flaws create conflict that they must overcome. I loved being back in Birch Creek from the author's previous series- it has a wonderful sense of community and Phoebe finds herself finally welcomed and not condemned for her past. The family members and neighbors of Jalon play a big role in working together to support Jalon and Phoebe and resolving many of the challenges they face. I'm looking forward to getting to know them more and seeing where the series takes them!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: An Amish Summer by Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Reunion in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray
When sisters Sharon and Sherilyn Kramer attend a wedding in Shipshewana, one of them returns with a new pen pal while the other returns to her job at the bakery. After sending weekly letters back and forth, Sherry and Graham Holland arrange a reunion in Pinecraft. Upon Graham's arrival, however, he realizes he's been writing to the wrong sister. He decides to use the reunion as a way to get to know both sisters, but can he sort through the confusion in time to turn the worst vacation ever into something truly wonderful?

Summer Storm by Amy Clipston
Arianna is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They have been friends longer than Arianna can remember, and that friendship turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Arianna's brother Isaac, who happens to be Jesse's best friend, gets them both into trouble, Arianna's father puts an end to her engagement to Jesse. Some summer storms pass quickly, but Arianna is afraid the damage from this one may be too much to repair.

Lakeside Love by Kathleen Fuller
Esther has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful younger sister Sarah. Even the boy she has known and loved her entire life, Judah, only has eyes for Sarah. But when a handsome young Englischer comes to live with the family for a summer, everything begins to change.

One Sweet Kiss by Kelly Irvin
Everybody in little Bee County, Texas, can see the obvious: Jacob King and Martha Byler are meant to be together. Everyone, that is, but Martha. Ever since her mother died when Martha was a young girl, she has taken over the role of caregiver to her large family. And reckless Jacob, who has had a little too much fun on his rumspringa, only seems to add to the list of people to manage. But one summer changes everything, and these two may just find a way to meet in the middle and share one sweet kiss.

My Review

I love novella collections and the opportunity to read several stories by different authors, some of them my favorites. The summer theme was fun with the settings varying from farm to the beach to camping at a lake. In the first story, A Reunion in Pinecraft, I felt as confused as the characters who was going to end up together, and it was interesting to see the direction the author took. The second story, Summer Storm, was full of angst and misunderstanding. I loved how Jesse proved himself to be devoted to Arianna and her family. My favorite of the collection was Lakeside Love. I really liked this story of unrequited love and finding peace in oneself and following God's will. Even though Jonah had blinders on for a while, I admired the genuine way he handled his shifting feelings. Even though it was a short story, there were great themes explored and I felt like it was well-balanced and contained a full arc. The last story, One Sweet Kiss, was another one I especially liked because of the matchmaking efforts Jacob and Martha undertake for two of their special needs friends. It showed their thoughtful and caring nature, and gave Martha experiences that demonstrated that Jacob could be trusted. This collection is one that will be loved by fans of Amish fiction!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: An Amish Home by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

A Cup Half Full by Beth Wiseman
Sarah Lantz always dreamed of the perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect family. When she married Abram, she knew she was on her way to securing her perfect life. All of that changes in one moment when an accident leaves her unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, dashing all of her dreams. As Abram starts to transform their home, Sarah begins a transformation in her spirit, and she begins, once again, to see her cup as half full.

Home Sweet Home by Amy Clipston
Down on their luck and desperate after they are evicted from their small apartment, Chace and Mia O’Conner reluctantly take Chace’s Amish boss up on his offer to rent them the daadihaus located on his property. They are certain they will never feel at home in the rustic cabin without any modern conveniences, and they start to blame each other for their seemingly hopeless situation. But with the help of their new Amish friends, Chace and Mia begin to enjoy their cozy cabin and realize that home really is where the heart is.

Building Faith by Kathleen Fuller
Faith Miller knows that carpentry is an unlikely hobby for a young Amish woman, but she loves the work and it keeps the memory of her grandfather alive. So when her cousin asks Faith to build the cabinets in her new home, Faith is only too happy to take on the job, even if it is the most ambitious project she has ever taken on. The only catch is that she has to work with her ex-fiance, Silas. As they work to build Martha’s kitchen, can they put the past behind them and start to build faith in one another again?

A Flicker of Hope by Ruth Reid
Fifteen years ago, Thomas and Noreen King were blissful newlyweds. Young, naive, and in love, life was rosy . . . for a while. Then trials and tribulations rocked their foundation, shattering them emotionally, and soon, their marriage was in shards. All hope for restoring their previously unshakable union seems lost. When fire destroys their home, Thomas and Noreen are left to sift through the rubble. As uncovered items from the remains of the house shake loose memories of the past, Thomas and Noreen begin to draw closer and a flicker of hope—and love—is re-ignited.

My Review

I always enjoy reading these collections of Amish-themed novellas. I have to admit that I prefer the ones that involve falling in love since they tend to have a bit more romance ;) The characters in this group of stories are either married or had a previously developed relationship, and they are enduring trials in their lives that threaten the happiness they once found together. I found the angst a little heavier than I expected as the members of each couple turn away from each other, only to find that by relying on each other and their faith will give them the strength to overcome and achieve peace. They are all well-written by some of my favorite authors of the genre.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop! A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller

Welcome to my stop on the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop! I'll be giving away a copy of Kathleen Fuller's A Love Made New, An Amish of Birch Creek Novel. Thanks for following my blog- it's been a wonderful year of amazing books to review!

Synopsis

It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the wedding aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, while all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.

Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.

Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may just discover a love powerful enough to lift the heavy burden of grief weighing her down and restore her hope in a promising future.

Entry-Form

Review: A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Abigail Schrock knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?

It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the wedding aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, while all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.

Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.

Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may just discover a love powerful enough to lift the heavy burden of grief weighing her down and restore her hope in a promising future.

My Review

Each of the books in the Amish of Birch Creek series can be read alone- the author does a good job of catching the reader up without too much info dump- but I recommend reading them in order, especially since the first book, A Reluctant Bride, is my favorite! Each book has its own main story revolving around one of the Schrock sisters, but also has another level of subplots involving other members of the community that continue throughout the series. It was satisfying to have many of those continuing plotlines wrapped up and resolved in this book. It is easy to imagine the setting and characters, although how I envisioned Abigail shifted when I read her perspective in A Love Made New. She is self-conscious about her weight and eating habits, but uses food as a coping method for her repressed grief. It was interesting to compare the happy, vibrant persona she exhibits in the earlier books with the secret self-loathing and defiance that push their way to the surface as she tries to recover from rejection and heartbreak. Asa is a hero you just feel bad for- he struggles with doing and saying the right thing, at the right time. Asa and Abigail have good chemistry and Asa's feelings are quite intense, which takes Abigail off guard. His total reliance on God is an admirable quality and serves as an example for Abigail once she is ready to listen. Recurring characters Sol, Irene, and Naomi are further developed and play important roles in the story, and Sadie, Johanna and their husbands are present but have minor roles. I wonder if there will be another book since there were only three Schrock sisters but there is one subplot that has the potential to be continued since it wasn't completely wrapped up neatly... although that is more true to life- not everything is tied up with a pretty bow.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: An Unbroken Heart by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

One minute, Joanna Schrock was arguing with her parents, and the next, her parents’ lives were claimed in a hit-and-run buggy accident. Her body is broken, but her heart is in even deeper pain— after all, how do you cope with your parents’ deaths when your last words were spoken in anger?

After an extended stint in a physical rehabilitation center, Joanna re-enters her Amish life. But nothing is the same—not even her feelings for Andrew Beiler. Joanna has loved Andrew since the age of twelve, and her feelings have not changed throughout the years. She is thrilled when Andrew wants to get married, but she wonders whether it’s love he’s feeling, or pity. As the couple’s wedding date approaches, Joanna isn’t overcome with the deep joy she was hoping to feel; instead, she’s wracked with anxiety and guilt.

Joanna hears God whispering to her, Be strong and courageous, but she’s afraid that courage looks a lot like walking away from her dreams and into the plan of her Heavenly Father. If Joanna takes the first step toward healing, will it cost her everything she’s ever wanted? Or could God be changing the desires of her heart?

My Review

I enjoyed the continuing story of the Schrock family and the Birch Creek community. This book is written so it can be a stand alone, but the first book, A Reluctant Bride, is also excellent so I highly recommend reading it as well. An Unbroken Heart focuses on the aftermath of Joanna's accident- her physical rehabilitation and the emotional struggles she faces. Much of Andrew and Joanna's relationship is internal dialogue since they have a hard time opening up to each other. I didn't find much pleasure in their interactions for much of the book since Joanna is drawing away from him and he doesn't communicate well. I loved the support Joanna's sisters show her during her difficult trials. I felt like the family bond is one of the highlights of the novel. I could relate well to Joanna's coping method of repressing feelings, but the problem with that is all those emotions under pressure eventually release in an explosion. The author did a wonderful job building toward the climax and then showing Joanna turn to God's guidance in restoring peace in her life and her relationship with Andrew. The secondary plot of Andrew's absent father wasn't as intense or involved as the first book in the series, but I still had a great reading experience. I'm looking forward to Abigail's story in A Love Made New, releasing this September.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Check out the other books in the Amish of Birch Creek series...

Book One: A Reluctant Bride
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Read my review here

Book Three: A Love Made New

Pre-order here
 

Review: A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Sadie Schrock swore she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents are ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.

Aden knows what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with the guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can t let her down even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.

Working alongside Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn't the same boy who once betrayed her. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to save her family and herself.

My Review

This is an excellent marriage of convenience story! The circumstances leading to Sadie and Aden's union are tragic, and the author did a wonderful job endearing the characters to us in the beginning so that when the shift occurred, I was completely immersed and connected to the high emotion. The complexities of Sadie and Aden's personalities are understandable after what they have gone through in the past and present, and the way Aden dedicates himself to Sadie's happiness is healing for both of them. I loved the slow progression of their relationship with all its nuances. There is some suspense with the pressure the bishop is putting on Aden and his brother, and the resolution was one I didn't see coming but brought a satisfying conclusion. I'm so glad there are two more books in the series from Sadie's sisters' points of view, and can't wait to read them!

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: An Amish Market by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

All the color and variety of a quaint Amish shop in a charming collection of novellas by four of your favorite authors. Feel free to come in and browse!
 
Love Birds by Amy Clipston
While Ellie Lapp and her mother are still mourning the loss of her brother, Seth, Ellie starts working at one of the gift shops in town. Seth’s friend Lloyd is talented at carving wooden birds, but his father disapproves and expects him to take over the family farm someday. Ellie sees the beauty in Lloyd’s creations and insists Lloyd sell the birds in the gift shop where she works. As Ellie and Lloyd spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for one another, but she accidentally betrays his trust. Will she lose any hope of a future with him?
 
A Bid for Love by Kathleen Fuller
Every week, Hannah Lynne brings her home-churned butter to the local market. And every week Ezra stops by to purchase some. Hannah Lynne knows not to read too much into it—Ezra is a confirmed bachelor and barely even glances her way, despite any hope to the contrary. But when Ezra bids an exorbitant amount to win the quilt she had her heart set on, Hannah Lynne can’t stop her heart from taking over her mind. Could Ezra finally be in the market for love?
 
Sweeter Than Honey by Kelly Irvin
Shattering a jar of pickled beets wasn’t the impression Isabella hoped to make on her first trip to the local Combination Store of Bee County, Texas. But as embarrassed as she was by the accident, she didn’t think it warranted the frosty reaction from the handsome manager of the store, Will Glick. As she soon learns, though, Will’s heart has been broken one too many times. And now, for some reason, Isabella finds herself determined to be the one to repair that broken heart and renew his faith in love.
 
Love in Store by Vannetta Chapman
Stella Schrock works at the Old Mill in Nappanee, Indiana, with new employee David Stoltzfus, a recent widower. When strange happenings begin occurring around town, it appears as if someone wants to close the mill. Stella and David have to work together to solve the mystery of what is happening at the Old Amish Mill, and in the process they might just find that God has more in store for their future than they would ever have dreamed possible.

My Review

I enjoyed each of these novellas by some of my favorite authors of Amish fiction- the variety of characters, settings, and plots. It was interesting how some used the Amish market theme more than others, but all were well-rounded stories that didn't feel rushed or lacking in development. I especially enjoyed the theme of unexpected love in A Bid for Love and Sweeter Than Honey. A wonderful collection of simple and pleasant stories that can be enjoyed several times.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)