Review: An Amish Christmas Kitchen: Three Novellas Celebrating the Warmth of the Season by Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, Kate Lloyd

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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.

Review: Becoming Bea by Leslie Gould

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Beatrice Zook knows God wants her to learn patience toward others. When assisting a family overwhelmed by triplets proves surprisingly successful, her confidence in dealing with others, both young and old, grows.

One person she’ll never be able to find peace with though is Ben Rupp. They’ve known each other forever, and Ben understands precisely how to antagonize her. What neither she nor Ben will admit is that beneath all their bickering, attraction awaits. When friends decide to try and bring the couple together, will the pair be able to find true love? Or will they damage their relationship beyond repair?

My Review

Leslie Gould's characters are far from perfect, but that's what makes them so realistic and easy to relate to. I had a hard time understanding Bea in the previous books in this series, so I was glad to read her perspective and watch her grow as she chose to go outside her comfort zone and serve others in need. Her love/hate relationship with Ben wasn't overly emotional since she would repress her feelings and avoid acknowledging them, which made it difficult as a reader to clue in to what her true emotions were. A cute quirk is their habit of spelling words out to each other and defining them since their rivalry stems from the schoolhouse spelling bees :) Much Ado About Nothing is one of my favorite Shakespeare works so it was fun to keep an eye out for scenes and themes based on the play.

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and LitFuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

BECOMING BEA By @LeslieJeanGould | Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Leslie Gould is back with the latest book, Becoming Bea, in her Shakespeare-inspired series, The Courtships of Lancaster County. Don't miss the other books in the series, Courting Cate (retelling of The Taming of the Shrew), Adoring Addie (inspired by Romeo and Juliet), and Minding Molly (inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Leslie is celebrating the series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook party on November 11th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy each of the entire The Courtships of Lancaster County series: Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, Minding Molly, and Becoming Bea.

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 11/11. Winner will be announced at Leslie's 11/11 Becoming Bea Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Leslie and Amish fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

Review: Minding Molly by Leslie Gould

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis from goodreads.com

 Molly Zook has everything planned just right. Or so she thinks!

Molly Zook's always liked being in control, so she's struggling with her mother's wish that, to save the family farm, she marry Mervin Mosier. Especially after Molly meets Leon Fisher. He's from Montana but is now training horses at a nearby ranch. He is tall and muscular and confident--Molly has never met anyone like him and she's sure he feels the same about her.

Determined to let nothing get between them, Molly tries to coax Mervin into falling back in love with Molly's best friend, Hannah. A weekend camping trip in the Poconos could be just the place . . . but things quickly go awry, and it seems Leon and Hannah might be falling for each other instead! Will Molly keep struggling to control everyone and everything around her? Or will she learn to let God handle the twists and turns of her life?


My Review

The aspect of this novel that really resonated with me was Molly's grief as she coped with the unexpected death of her father. While there is love triangle drama, pressure from her mother, stress over the family finances, a difficult younger sister, an unpredictable best friend, and control-issues that surfaced on a camping trip... underlying all of that are sweet moments of remembering and longing for her father. I consider a book successful when I am feeling the emotions of the character rather than just reading about them- and amid the sometimes high-school type drama I found a tear in my eye as Molly tried to make sense and gain control over her changing circumstances. Looking forward to reading more by this author!

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Free e-book! Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

Get this e-book free today on Amazon!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!

In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor--until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?