Synopsis
As the weather grows
cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas
season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection
from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and
Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and
offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the
sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen.
Leslie Gould
tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young
Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking
tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler
offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for
sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And
Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery
about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family
table she finds herself invited to on Christmas.
My Review
I've been binge reading Amish novella collections, and loving it! This is a lovely one with a baking theme and unique stories of vulnerable young women. I enjoyed the first story the most, with Noelle going out of her comfort zone to sell her baked items at the busy Christmas market, and the unlikely friendship she develops with the Latina girl at the booth across from hers. Also a frustrating story of second chance love... let's just say I wasn't a fan of the older sister and the gossip she spreads.
I felt sorry for Ada and how she idolizes a young man at her father's shop who does not deserve her. Matthias can see his true colors, but it drives a wedge in the sweet friendship he has developed with Ada as she makes cookies for them. It's always difficult when someone falls off the pedestal we put them on. I liked the interactions Matthias had with Ada's father and the encouragement he receives with his work.
The last story was definitely one I haven't read anything similar to, but I wasn't a fan of the first person perspective. Maria's recent discovery that she was adopted leads her to the Amish family via a DNA test and database. It was neat to see her immersed in the family with their holiday traditions during a snowstorm, and the potential for romance with the Mennonite neighbor.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
