ECPA BESTSELLER • For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community’s ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she’s stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves … But if she leaves too soon, she’d cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene’s Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.
The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman’s illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.
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I believe wholeheartedly that God puts us exactly where He wants us to be, and God NEVER makes mistakes. So, if God puts us where we are supposed to be and He never makes mistakes, why do those places sometimes feel like a prison? In A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall, Ivy Zook and Arlen Keim deal with this notion of being trapped in the wrong place. In Ivy’s case, she feels trapped by her stifling Amish community. She has a plan and believes God made her to fulfill this plan, but she cannot see how her God-ordained future can be fulfilled in a community with so many rules. Arlen comes from a very, very strict order of Amish called the Swartzentrubers. When he meets Ivy under very scary circumstances, Arlen is immediately disturbed by how free and worldly Ivy and her Old Order Amish community is. He knows God put him in this community for a time in order to help his sister, but Arlen can’t help but feel stuck in the wrong place.
Both Ivy and Arlen believe God is in charge of their steps but they really struggle with where God’s physically planted them. Over time, though, both Ivy and Arlen come to realize that following God’s purpose for their lives means letting God lead. God is the master planter for a reason. We need to be patient and we need to listen. God will always eventually show us why He’s planted us where we are at — even in those places that leave us feeling a bit trapped for a time. This was definitely a message I needed to hear again. I’ve felt a little stuck for a while now, but I know God’s got me where I’m at for a purpose. My job right now in the stuck time is to simply listen. God will explain things to me in His time just as He did for Ivy and Arlen.
A Christmas Haven is a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas novella. The characters are sweet, endearing, and very relatable. The plot is highly engaging. And the themes and issues that Ivy and Arlen wrestle with are things I felt I needed to tackle too. I really love this story and find I cannot recommend it enough. I hope you will purchase a copy today. You will not be disappointed you did!
I received a copy of this novella in paperback form from the publisher, Waterbrook Multnomah, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A CHRISTMAS HAVEN by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a wonderful Amish Christmas romance that’s about faith, family, love, traditions and finding one’s own path in life. This well written story will tug at your heart pulling for the underdog and hoping that dreams really do come true.
It’s the story of Ivy Zooks, raised Old Order Amish, and Arlan Keim, raised Swartzentruber, and how their paths crossed each bringing their upraising into the mix. Throw in Magda, Holly, Betty, a girlfriend of Arlan’s, and a strict bishops for an interesting and at times heart wrenching story. Magda is Arlan’s unwed pregnant younger sister and the reason they left their community, family and all they have ever known. Holly is Ivy’s engaged sister, who is breaking through some Amish barriers by getting an education and planning on working outside the home once married. Betty is Ivy and Holly’s mother, who is all for Holly achieving her goals, but can’t accept the possibility of Ivy following hers if it means leaving the Amish.
Can there be a happily ever after for any of them? Will Arlan and Mada find that there is a world outside of their Swarzentruber upbringing that isn’t “worldly” but finding that there can be joy and laughter while being reverent to God? Can Betty keep the family and farm that she loves together? Will Holly be able to do what she has always been drawn to do and fought to get an education for – to help the Amish community medically? Can Ivy find peace within herself and remain Amish? Can Arlan and Ivy find a way to span the vast differences of opinions and find their way to each other?
Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall have written a great Christian Christmas romance while touching the important values of life. That for the important answers in life, we only have to be still and listen to our heart and to God for the correct answers. I would definitely recommend A CHRISTMAS HAVEN to anyone that loves a wonderful Christmas story any time of the year, a great Christian romance story or just a fabulous book that will have you thinking with your head and heart! Although I’ve heard “A Christmas Haven” referred to as the sequel to “The Amish Remedy”, it can definitely be considered a standalone book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I haven’t read “The Amish Remedy”. However, after reading this book, I will definitely be checking out more books by these authors.
A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall picks up shortly after The Christmas Remedy ends. While A Christmas Haven can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Christmas Remedy first. There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the book. I found the book to be well-written with developed characters and thoughtful pacing. Ivy Zook finds the rules of her community restrictive and she believes going Englisch will allow her to be free to pursue her dream of having a party planning business. Arlan Keim gives up everything to help his sister, Magda get the medical treatment she needs and save her from the future her parents have planned for her. I liked how Arlan saw Ivy’s way of life in a totally different light. Someone from the outside can give you a different perspective as Arlan did for Ivy. The story is filled with hope which I found uplifting. I like that we get to catch up with Holly and Joshua from The Christmas Remedy as well as Red Zook. There is a sweet epilogue that gives a look at Ivy, Josh, Magda, Red, Arlan, and Holly’s lives a year later. A Christmas Haven has hope, love, heartache, joy, and forgiveness. We see that you never know what God will have in store for you. You just need to be patient, pray and follow His lead. I like how Arlan and Ivy bonded over books. I was shocked to learn the Swartzentruber Amish do not read fiction. My favorite phrase from A Christmas Haven is “Who I am can’t be defined by breaking bonds with my family. It can only be defined by blooming right where He planted me.” A Christmas Haven is a fulfilling novel with party planning, an auto accident, a benevolent bishop, restrictive rules and a wonderful wedding.
I have been a long time fan of Cindy Woodsmall and was so excited to learn of another collaboration she did with Erin Woodsmall. I loved reading The Christmas Remedy last year and this year, they’ve brought us the next Zook’s story. This time we get to see Ivy and Arlan, the Amish man who has piqued her interest!
I loved seeing Ivy and Arlan’s story play out. We get to go back to the heart of where we met Holly Zook and see all the fun loving characters from The Christmas Remedy. But, I was really drawn to Ivy’s story. She has her heart set on a plan for her life, planning parties, yet, she knows she will cause trouble. Then Arlan and Magda come along and Ivy’s just not so sure anymore!
Arlan. Bless his soul, I loved him! His love for his sister, and getting her the help she needed, really shined bright. I felt for him, though, for him doing what he knew in his heart was right, and being disowned his father. He endured such heartache with that but I loved seeing him stand his ground and stay strong to God’s word no matter what.
This story is filled with heartache and pain, happiness and love, forgiveness and hope, as these characters come to know where their haven really is. This story is filled with beautiful, 4 star worthy characters that quickly become a part of the reader’s soul. Both Cindy and Erin Woodsmall have a God graced talent to create stories that are filled with Heavenly messages from above, characters that become family, and a plot line that will have you turning page after page. I can’t wait to see what collaboration these talented ladies have in story for us next!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* Cindy Woodsmall
I enjoy this trip deep into Amish country. I didn’t realize there are different branches within the community so found this story of new chances really interesting amid the backdrop of differences between Old Order and Schwartzentruber. The story of Ivy and Arlan and how they eventually find their way is well formed and delivered. I’d read these authors again. I received a complimentary copy of this book but the opinion is my own.
Great story. Strong, believable characters. A romance but so much more…learning how to live with the consequences and sacrifices of a decision, learning to embrace life with honesty and vulnerability, allowing new ideas and understandings to shatter misconceptions, recognizing that God’s gift of Grace can bring freedom to one’s life. I enjoyed Ivy and Arlan’s journey to love and I look forward to reading more from these authors. I read a library copy of the book and was not required to write a review.
This book is about two different Amish families. One is Old Order and the other is Swartzentruber Amish. It is great to see the differences between the two orders. There are a lot of characters in the book. On the Old Amish side the story is about a family who lost their father and three women are trying to run and keep the farm. Ivy wants to leave the Amish faith and become a party planner. Holly is studying to be a LPN and works in a pharmacy to help the Amish understand medicine There Mother wants to hold onto her husbands family farm. On the Swartzentruber Amish. It is a story about Arian and his sister Magda. When his sister becomes pregnant at 17 from a English man there strict parents want to raise the child as their child. . These two Amish families come involved in each others life. A beautiful story. Loved learning about the differences in the two types of Amish. Well written. Thanks to the Author and publisher for allowing me to read and give my opinion. Also thanks to NetGalley
I loved how this book continued the story of Holly and Joshua from the first book as a subplot! The main character is Holly’s sister, Ivy, who is struggling to balance her past and future while she is attempting to make a major life transition. Also in limbo are Arlan and Magda, young adult siblings who are on the run from their family. I was surprised by the differences between the Amish and Swartzentruber Amish and the prejudices each have about the other. I enjoyed that Ivy and Arlan spoke plainly and unapologetically with each other about their disagreements, but still developed a friendship based on mutual respect. It was interesting to see how the more time they spent with each other, the less they disagreed and the more they re-evaluated their priorities and choices. A sweet romance set in a lovely place during a festive time of year!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Is this what the Word meant by “abundant life”? To experience the fullness of the heart, mind, and emotions? To give room to all of it in one’s own self and in others without trying to suppress or control it?
– Arlan
I love that quote because it encapsulates the overall theme of A Christmas Haven, that of discovering what abundant life means personally. Although a novella in length, the story has depth, characters are well developed, and complex situations of life are explored. The story of Holly and Josh that began in The Christmas Remedy continues, but this story easily stands alone.
A Christmas Haven has a great ensemble cast. As I’m new to the series, I enjoyed Holly, who had “worked so hard to become a bridge that linked modern medicine to the area’s Amish communities,” hopefully by eventually becoming an LPN. Brother and sister, Arlan and Magda, enter the scene suddenly when Arlan crashes his car into the storefront of Greene’s Pharmacy. And then there’s Holly’s sister, Ivy, who seeks happiness by leaving the Amish community to start a party planning business.
The Woodsmalls shine light on interesting conflicts within the Amish faith that I found interesting. For one, there’s the contrast between Old Order ways and the Swartzentruber sect. I’ve always thought the Old Order to be ultra conservative, but the Swartzentruber beliefs take it to a whole other level. Then there’s Ivy’s drive to use her natural talents and find fulfillment in a business not condoned by the Amish. And there’s no certainty that the bishop, whose job is to preserve the Old Ways, will sanction Holly’s work, even though it benefits the Amish community.
I love the connotation of the word haven in the title, a place of safety or refuge, for that’s something we all seek in our Christian walk, along with this story’s characters. Another important lesson is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, as Ivy learned to find that perfect balance of expectations between Amish rules and personal dreams.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas Haven and hope to see further stories featuring these characters. Also, as much of the narrative takes place throughout the year, this novella works well for all seasons.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
What do you do when you sister is ill and not getting treatment? It took over hearing a conversation to figure out she is expecting. Arlan decides its in Magda’s best interest to get her help. He has heard of a drug store just beyond their community that can help before she gets any worse. His family is part of a very strict Amish community and his parents do not wish for anyone to know about her pregnancy.
Ivy is wanting to leave her family farm and the Amish life to plan parties for the English . She tells her Mamm and she isn’t happy. Her Mamm is wants her children to be happy. Her son Red has moved to another community to marry his girlfriend and her daughter Holly is getting married around Christmas. How will she keep the farm afloat.
Arlan and Magda make it to the next town. Not the way they expect to show up , crashing into the pharmacy. After they get Magda medicine and fluids. They are ask to stay to make sure Magda is well. They come and stay on the Zook’s farm. With all these situations with everyone’s help may just work out. Dreams, family , love and God’s love will carry all where they need to be. I received this book from Waterbrook publishers for my honest review.
If you enjoyed The Christmas Remedy last Christmas you will enjoy A Christmas Haven. It is filled with friends, family, and romance along with a lot of hope and kindness.
Woodsmall has taken the time to research the Swartzentruber Amish sect and how it differs from Old Order and written a romance that leaves you all smiles.
Ivy’s progression from short-sided adult to one who sees the picture is a beautiful journey.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, WaterBrook and Multnomah, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I have never been disappointed by a book by Cindy Woodsmall and again I am not. I love her stories and especially her Christmas stories. I loved Arlan and Ivy. These are two people who both need to find out who they truly are. This is told in a wonderful way I love the blending of Amish and English traditions that are used here in this community. I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
A Christmas Haven is a sequel to The Christmas Remedy. The title is what the book is really about. An Old Order Amish home becomes a Haven to a brother and sister who have fled from their Amish Swartzentruber parents. The young teenage girl is pregnant and her body is rejecting the change. Even though she is very sick her parents refuse to get medical help because they feel it is not an emergency and that she should be punished for her sin of being pregnant and not married.
The brother ,though set in his Swartzentruber beliefs fears for his sister’s life . He makes plans to take his sister to get medical help. He has heard about Greens Pharmacy and hopes he can get medicine there that will help her. To do this he must disobey his strict parents and their way of life. Things don’t go as planned and he soon finds out that his sister is in worst condition than he thought.
Holly’s mother offers to let the runways stay at her home while the sister recovers . In exchange the young man will do work at the dairy farm and much needed repairs to the barn. He objects to the old order ways but his sister warms up to their family and the community.
This story also focused on Ivy, Hollys sister. She has decided to leave the Amish and venture into the English world in order to run a business. Arlan fears if he stays too long than the Swartzentrubers will find him and force he and his sister to go back home. Ivy’s mother tries to persuade her to stay on the dairy farm and not leave home. Holly is not without her problems either as she plans to marry a young man from another church district. The bishop there feels that Holly must stop working at the pharmacy and stay at home as a Amish wife should. Will all things come together at the story’s end?
A wonderful Christmas read about love and family. I always enjoy the authors Christmas books and hope they add another book to this series next Christmas. Excellent for all readers of Amish Fiction , Christian Fiction and for those looking for a good Christmas Novel to read. You won’t be disappointed.
I borrowed a hardcover copy from the local library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here are my own.
The writing duo, Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall, has crafted a beautiful story in their newest release, A Christmas Haven. It was fun catching up with the characters from their previous book, The Christmas Remedy. This is such a wonderful and heartwarming Christmas tale.
I am giving A Christmas Haven five plus stars. I highly recommend this sweet Amish Christmas Romance. It is a perfect book to get readers started on their holiday season reading.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This was a wonderful story about characters that that come from different Amish communities. I love reading the difference between the two. It was intriguing to learn that one of them is very strict and almost seems like they can’t really be themselves. The rules become a problem for Arlan and his sister Madga. I admired how Arlan stood up for his sister and was willing to risk being shunned to keep his sister safe.
Ivy was a great character and shows readers how Amish do question what they have been taught. Ivy wanted a taste of the English life but struggled leaving the Amish. When her world collided with Arlan and Madga it was not by accident. I believe God places us at the right time. I liked how Ivy and her family opened their home to Arlan and Madga. It was hard for Arlan to see how things were a bit more relaxed in the Amish community that Ivy is a part of.
The story was a nice insight detailing how we all question our beliefs at some point. We all search scripture to make sure we are following God and sometimes it is okay to question when it is not lining up with the Word of God.
Madga had sinned and her family didn’t want anything to do with her. That broke my heart to read how a family could turn their back on someone . We all sin but the good news is God forgives us. I related to Madga because I have been judged before in a church and everyone turned their backs on me. It was like losing a family as I felt alone and ashamed. This story has struggles, judgment, forgiveness, a bit of romance and a wonderful message of forgiveness.
I received an arc copy of this book from the authors. The review is my own opinion.
Cindy and Erin Woodsmall used this group of wonderful characters to touch the hearts of readers with powerful messages. This sweet story is uplifting with a picture of how true love involves sacrifice. The characters struggle with difficult decisions and must decide what it means to be an individual and still be a part of a community. I thought the acceptance demonstrated toward a young woman and her brother was powerful. Although A Christmas Haven can be read by itself, the first book in the series is just a good. I look forward to another book with this enduring family and their friends. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I love a good Christmas book I mean who doesn’t. This book was one of those I could not put the story down I wanted to see what the characters where up to next. I love how the authors didn’t even try and make these characters perfect, they all struggled with decisions that would impact their lives for the rest of their lives and each one struggled. I felt like this is one of this books that you as the read can take a life lesson away from. I will say the author has you laughing and crying. My heart broke for two of the characters in more ways than one. This book seemed to truly just fly by and it was great catching up with some of the characters from The Christmas Remedy. If you are looking for a good clean read this book will be perfect read for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
Every time I see a new release from Cindy Woodsmall, I leap at it. And this Christmas novella, A Christmas Haven, was well worth that leap. Although technically a sequel to The Christmas Remedy, this story can hold its own without causing confusion. Readers will become immersed in the tale of two people trying to find their way amid the pull of the modern world verses different Amish orders. With the palpable tension between desire for belonging, the rigor of legalism, and the torment to choose a path that is true and honorable, Woodsmall delivers a powerful story full of complex characters seeking answers. Whether you enjoy Amish fiction or not, this is a story that will pull you in regardless. Relatable, endearing, witty, heart rendering, and eye opening, this book has it all.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Another delightful Christmas book by authors Cindy and Erin Woodsmall, I enjoyed every page. Returning to Haven, seeing old friends, and making new friends was wonderful.
I enjoy that the authors can make a book enjoyable while still dealing with some tough subjects. Learning about the Swartzentruber Amish was really interesting, and yet frustrating because they seem to be pretty heartless to those in need. And yet for our Amish friends there is a deep faith in God and trust that He’ll accomplish His will.
Get a copy and read as Ivy, Arlan, and Holly all learn where God wants them. If you love Amish fiction you’ll love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
A Christmas Haven by authors Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a contemporary Amish story that grabbed by attention immediately and did not release it until the end of this beautiful book. There is so much inspiration packed inside the 208 pages that I want everyone to read it.
This beautiful story is a sweet, tender, heartwarming tale of dreams, love, friends, family, and faith. It follows the authors’ book A Christmas Remedy, but can be read as a stand alone because the authors fill in information about the characters. I would recommend reading the other book first only because it is excellent, also.
The Woodsmall authors are gifted wordsmiths. Both of these books were page-turners for me. I wanted to read, read, read! The words were written in such a way that I felt as though I was there. I was so invested that I felt the character’s’ emotions. When they hurt so did I. The dialog sounded realistic and flowed easily.
One of the things I especially enjoyed was learning about two different types of Amish communities. All Amish are not alike. This story gave a realistic glimpse into the very strict Swartzentruber Amish and the Old Order ones. Many times I found myself shaking my head at things I did not know or understand.
This is the story of Arlan and Magda, brother and sister, who meet Ivy and her family. The characters were very well rounded and realistic. I could picture them from the descriptions. Everything about this book was just wonderful. The dairy farm was so well defined that I could almost hear the cows.
The family issues and individual struggles are ones that could happen. It was a realistic book that pulled on my heart. There are many God glorifying moments. This is a lovely Christian book that does not require searching to know that.
I highly recommend this book. It is one of the best novels that I have read this year. This would make a lively book club read as there is much to discuss. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars. The publisher provided a copy but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my honest words.