Review: An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

When Katie Bender's fiance died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn't know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can't afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent--and ultimate--battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.

My Review

The first scenes of the book were exciting with the tornado- Katie rescuing the children and ensuring their safety in the schoolhouse cellar, aided by Seth as he joined them from a nearby field. The heavenly help from the angel Elias was lovely and I liked the way he provided guidance and promptings. When the stress of the aftermath descends, Katie and Seth are snappy and rude to each other, and somehow it doesn't let up, even though they are both attracted to each other and keep feeling the need to help one another. I wasn't feeling their chemistry at all. It was over a third of the way into the book that we learn Elias isn't the only otherworldly character influencing the members of the community- enter the demon Razzen. This is where I began to lose interest. I continued reading to see if the relationship between Seth and Katie would begin to develop past immature jabs, but the plot continued to be hijacked by the paranormal battle between angel and demon with the Amish characters as their pawns. There are some spiritual lessons to be learned but the storytelling style just wasn't my cup of tea.

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: An Amish Christmas Love by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Ruth Reid

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman
Three generations of Stoltzfus women are all living under the same roof. At twenty-five, Naomi has never been married, and both her mother, Barbara, and her grandmother, Ruth, have recently been widowed. Each nursing broken or lonely hearts, they also each have potential suitors. When a storm on Christmas Eve forces the three couples to take shelter in the basement of the Stotlzfus homestead, secrets are revealed, hearts are opened, and all three potential grooms drop to their knees for very different reasons a proposal, a prayer, and an epiphany.

The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston
Emma Bontrager is spending her first Christmas alone after her husband of 45 years, Henry, passed away in July. Although the Amish don't normally allow animals in their homes, a big, fat, orange barn cat keeps coming into Emma s house. She shoos the cat away, but it continues to appear in her house, settling on Henry's favorite wing chair. But the cat isn't the only Christmas visitor: a group of young people help bring the Christmas spirit to Emma, reminding her that love and hope abide.

Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin
As a young man enjoying his rumspringa, David Byler gave his heart to an Englisch girl, but he eventually realized he couldn't give up his Plain faith and family for her, so he let her go. He's found a new love in his Bee County Plain community, Molly Shrock. Molly has been patient, waiting for the man she loves to love her back. Just as he is ready to propose, David makes a startling discover: Bobbie McGregor, his Englisch love, is back. Will Molly's prayers for a Christmas love be answered?

Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid
When a misdirected GPS sends Ellie Whetstone to the wrong address, she inadvertently finds herself breaking into the home of Amish man, Ezra Mast. Ellie hopes to fix up the house left by her aenti and sell it quickly, but a series of run-ins with Ezra and his young daughter have her questioning whether a hasty sale is the right move. Could this new place with its slower pace be the right home for Ellie?

My Review

This is a lovely collection of novellas featuring a variety of themes, including love at all ages, grief, friendship, the comfort of fellowship, old flame returned, and legacies. The characters really came to life and the plot of each was unique from the others in the collection. I especially enjoy reading Christmas novellas during the busy holiday season since I can squeeze in a story at the end of a long day and they help me feel the spirit of Christmas, often reminding me of the true meaning. I'm a fan of the first two authors, Beth Wiseman and Amy Clipston, but haven't read much by the other two, Kelly Irvin and Ruth Reid. I was happy to discover that I like their writing style and am excited to read some full-length novels by both.

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

Review: An Amish Second Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid, Tricia Goyer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman
Katherine Zook and her four children are facing their first Christmas without a loved one, and the future seems dim. But when a mysterious "Englisch" man begins to show up in the most unlikely of places, Katherine can't help but be suspicious . . . and a bit curious.
 
Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid
When Joy Stolzfus's boyfriend tells her he wants to court other women, she's shocked. She pours her heart out in a letter, but it mistakenly reaches Noah Esh. The two begin writing letters back and forth, but a misunderstanding threatens to topple the relationship they're building.

A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller
Anne Marie Smucker's life is pretty perfect. Until she discovers her widowed mother is getting married and they're all moving. On top of that, Anne Marie's relationship with her friend Nathaniel has changed, and she's more confused than ever about her feelings for him.

The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer
Esther Glick bakes a Christmas pie for a fundraiser, and she soon finds herself sitting across from bachelor Ammon Schwartz. Esther receives many orders for pies, but when she breaks her wrist, she discovers what community and love are all about.

My Review

This is a wonderful collection of holiday-themed stories that Amish fiction fans will love! I enjoyed each story and the characters in them. "When Christmas Comes Again" had a bit of a mystery and I loved the healing that the family went through as they showed compassion instead of holding on to past grudges. "Her Christmas Pen Pal" was a fun twist on You've Got Mail, and the romance was great! "A Gift for Anne Marie" is sweet story of friends who become more when they realize they will be separated. There are other conflicts besides the move, including a friend of Anne Marie's who decides to pursue Nathaniel. The friendship they share is lovely, but when new feelings begin to develop confusion and hesitation enters in and disrupts the harmony they had enjoyed. I love when friends fall in love since they have a great foundation and know each other so well. It was funny to see just how well Nathaniel knew Anne Marie and her moods. "The Christmas Aprons" shows how important community is and reaching out to make friends and share our talents. The romance in this one was especially lovely since Ammon helps Esther see that she is desirable and worthy of romantic love.

(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)

Review: An Amish Christmas Gift by Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, Kelly Irvin

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston
Twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love, has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches a time of family, faith, and hope for many others Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family's quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down.

An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid
Abigail Kemp has managed to frighten off every bu who's ever driven her home from a singing. Sure she will live to be an old maid, Abigail starts saving her money to buy a horse so she can at least have some independence.
Micah Zook is looking for a caregiver for his grandmother, and Abigail needs a new job. He never expected that Abigail would talk so much . . . or that his grandmother would keep finding ways to set the two of them up.
Despite Abigail's constant chatter, she and Micah become friends until Micah makes a decision that leaves Abigail feeling betrayed. With Christmas in their midst, can Micah find a way to reconcile with Abigail and to reveal what's on his heart?

A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin
Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt Abigail and her husband Mordecai. After all, she knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome but Englisch farmer boy back in Missouri. It's best to put those feelings aside, no matter how hard it is. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case. Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?

My Review

I'm a fan of these Amish novella collections, especially during a busy time of year like Christmas. It's so nice to sit down and be able to read a story or two at a time. Each of these is set during the holidays and the main character is feeling isolated from her family and community, but receives the gift of love.

Naomi is deemed undesirable by Caleb's busybody sister, and it was a bit frustrating to see him pursue the wrong girl once he decided that marriage was his goal. It was surprising that barely courting someone would lead to assumptions of a betrothal, before they even had a chance to get to know each other well. I enjoyed Naomi's sincerity and the antics of Caleb's young daughter.

Abigail's gift of gab prevents Micah from giving her a chance, but his grandmother takes a liking to her and he's desperate for help. I liked that as he was able to witness her redeeming qualities her quirks became endearing instead of annoying. He's kind of overbearing when they disagree, but she is anything but a doormat and sparks are always flying.

I loved the story of Rocky and Frannie and the progression of their relationship with each other. The themes of sacrifice, obedience, and spirituality were woven together as Rocky explores the Amish lifestyle with the potential of joining their faith. They had the sweetest romantic moments of the collection since they already had feelings for each other which only deepen as they are tested.

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

Review: An Amish Miracle by Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, and Mary Ellis

My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Always Beautiful by Beth Wiseman
Becky Byler is eighteen and overweight. She is overwhelmed by the embarrassment she feels when comparing herself to other girls her age. Having lost all hope, she considers taking her own life. As she stands before rushing water, unable to swim, Becky begs God for a miracle. In just several months, Becky sees her prayers answered as food and temptation lose their hold over her. She s finally pleased with how she looks, but does she like the person she has become? And has the man she has dreamed of been right beside her all along, loving her exactly as she is?

Always His Providence by Ruth Reid
Widow Rosa Hostetler has one month to pay her delinquent taxes before the county auctions her farm. She s prepared to sell whatever is necessary to pay the lien, but she isn't willing to request money from the community s widow fund. She s embarrassed and refuses to admit she needs help. Rosa depends on income from selling eggs, but when that income is threatened, only a miracle can help Rosa accept the kindness of a neighbor.

Always in My Heart by Mary Ellis
Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She s hidden this secret from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends her isn't a new baby but the fifteen-year-old boy she gave up years ago.

My Review

The stories are well-written and compelling. The main characters each have a flawed but understandable perspective on the trial/issue they are struggling with, but experience a miracle in the way their individual situations and attitudes resolve. I felt that the romance took more of a backseat in this collection which I really missed.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)