From bestselling author Beth Wiseman come four sweet stories centered around celebrations in the Amish community: rumschpringe, baptism, weddings, and Christmas. The Gift of Sisters Hannah and Rachel are fraternal twins approaching their sixteenth birthday–a time when they will be allowed to spread their wings and enjoy their rumschpringe. The sisters couldn’t be more different: Hannah is … different: Hannah is outgoing and beautiful, while Rachel is shy and withdrawn. And when newcomer Abraham Stoltzfus arrives in Lancaster County, both women fall head over heels for him, each fighting for his affections in their own ways and driving the sisters to turn on each other. Who will Abraham choose? And will Hannah and Rachel reunite after a devastating heartbreak?
A New Beginning
Rebecca and Noah are in love and about to be baptized. But when Noah decides to enjoy one last night of his rumschpringe a few weeks before the ceremony, he does something that causes Rebecca to reconsider his proposal. As Rebecca and Noah navigate the turn in their relationship, Rebecca must learn to forgive Noah or abandon her dreams of marrying him. If Noah won’t forgive himself in time for the baptism, his guilt could cause him to run from his love for Rebecca and leave his community behind.
A Perfect Plan (previously published in An Amish Wedding)
Priscilla King has been planning to marry Chester Lapp since she was sixteen years old, and when Chester pops the question on Priscilla’s nineteenth birthday, wedding plans begin immediately. But everything begins to fall apart as Chester works to build a house for his new bride, only to have one disaster after another occur. Can true love take this couple through the challenges that threaten their union, or will they begin to doubt that they are on the right path, the one God has chosen for them?
A Christmas Miracle
Mary is twenty-seven years old and already has five young children. Married to her husband at age eighteen, she wasn’t quite prepared for motherhood, and exhaustion and frustration are sending her into a downhill spiral as the holidays approach. Too proud and ashamed to ask for help, Mary’s situation begins to take a toll on her marriage. But when an elderly man in a red suit and his sidekick elf befriend Mary, showering her with wisdom and advice, she must choose to accept help, learn to cope with her situation, and ultimately find the true meaning of Christmas.
- Four sweet Amish novellas with happily-ever-afters
- Book length: 90,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
more
Amish Celebrations by Beth Wiseman is a wonderful collection of four novellas. These stories are full of love, faith, devotion, heartache, determination and so much more. I loved all the stories in the book I have to say though that A Christmas Miracle is my favorite. Be sure to get your copy of Amish Celebrations today.
Young Amish Love
Audiobook Review:
This book contains several stories about young people in the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The first story is about twin sisters who are about to reach their 16th birthdays, which is when the Amish community considers them to be young women of dating and marriage age, not children. Despite the description, this isn’t about one young man choosing between the sisters. It is actually more about overcoming naivete When you’ve lived a very sheltered existence and understanding that blood is thicker than water. This novella actually has several romances, two for one sister and one for the other. The second story is actually about three couples who are a little bit older. Involved in these romances are a brother and sister. In this story, we see young people who are uncomfortable with their present circumstances, whether familial or religious. It almost becomes the story of musical chairs… who will be in and who will be out. I don’t doubt that young people in the Amish community question their faith and the tenets of their community, especially before, during, or after their Rumspringa. I felt like the author gave short shrift to the non-Amish couple, nor did she spend enough time on the brother’s decision to not become baptized and leave the community. I had an issue with the narrator. I don’t think she pronounced all the Pennsylvania Dutch words correctly. It really annoyed me the way she had the characters say “thank you.” She pronounced it precisely like the animal donkey! From my research, it is pronounced more like “denki” or “danki.” I also think she mispronounced the word for “sister” as well.
I received a free copy of the audiobook of this collection, but that did not affect my review.
A sweet collection of love and faith stories, mixed into a glimpse at life in a different world.
I was listening to this book on audio and kept saying to myself that these are such good stories! I still agree with the statement.
This book is a collection of four novellas (that I kept thinking would be shorter than they actually were which was completely fine by me!) about Amish women. Besides being Amish and women, they didn’t have that much in common. Two were almost-16-year-old twin sisters (from The Gift of Sisters), another two were engaged and faced some problems of a very difering nature leading to the wedding (A New Beginning and A Perfect Plan) and the last one was a married young mom of five (A Christmas Miracle). They all faced different struggles and surpassed them.
But what really made me not wanting to stop listening and all of them such good stories is that they were stories about real people. The stories had Amish characters (and some non-Amish too) but they could have been about anyone. Sisters that loved each other but were angry and sometimes envious of each other. A bride-to-be wondering if she chose the right path. A overwhelmed mother that struggled with everything life asked of her and that had never learnt how to run a household. We know these struggles, we know these people, sometimes we are like them.
I also liked that the characters were in situations that make you wonder: what would I have done in this situation? What if that was me? And even some more deeper questions: what does it mean to love someone? How do we know we are following God’s will and not our own?
Other random things I enjoyed: The existence of a character with a severe mental disability (not a main character but still good to see one somewhere), families loving each other even if they sometimes were not perfect, babies!, the narrator and, certainly, other things that I can’t remeber right now.
This was a very good surprise because good stories are hard to find!
I received a copy of this book via NetGaley and Zondervan. All opinions are my own.
Very good read.
Amish Celebrations is really a combination of 4 stories in one book. They are all different but have something in common. They all are about celebrations.
Here are all the books and there reviews for each one.
The Gift of Sisters
Hannah and Elizabeth are twins. When a new boy comes to town, he seem to attracted both girls. They both fall for him in there own ways. He seem to have them pulling them away from each other. Will either one of them choose this new boy or will they both leave them.
Will it be two late to reunite to be sisters. One is doing something to protect her sister and the other think the other is trying to ruin her life and her love life at that. Will they find what best for them.
A New Beginning
Noah and Rebecca seem to be heading for marriage? Noah does something and make Rebecca think about getting married? What was it that Noah did? Will Noah walk way or will he forgive himself. What could Noah be struggling with? Rebecca is also navigation their relationship as well. Does she want to be with Noah or trust him?
A Perfect Plan
Priscilla knows who see was marrying since she way sixteen years old. Once the question is pop to her. They seem to think they know the prefect plan. God seem to have another plan or a bit of changes to that plan when one disaster will occurs after another. Is God testing there relationship?
There seems to be a special person who has something for both Chester and Priscilla. They each receive it at different times and separately. They are both told to not open it until there wedding day and not before and promised. Will they even get married or will they not?
A Christmas Miracle
Every feel overwhelmed with life or motherhood? Well, Mary feels this and does not know how to cope with her children. She seems to feel like she a bad mother. Though she got her husband and her husband seem to try and help. He for a loss to help her as well. Though he suggest that she ask her mother in law to help her.
There seem to be something more to stress of the marriage. Will her husband get some advise to help his marriage and his wife before it to late? There seems to be someone really important that happens when Mary befriends an elderly man in a red suit and his side kick elf?
I really like how this story outcomes turn out. Will Mary really get what needs and help she needs to cope with her situgation. Does Mary’s mother in law dislike Mary or is it something else.
This is an exceptional Amish Novella collection that will engross you in these endearing stories. It is hard to pick a favorite as each story has a strong storyline that ebbs and flows smoothly. The Gift of Sisters is a story of division between Hannah and Elizabeth and the growing pains of becoming adults. Will they let jealousy and insecurities come between them or find the common thread of faith & family binds them together when an uncouth young man is exposed. A New Beginning has great characters that become intertwined in circumstances that threatened relationships and shows how God can use this to bring beauty out of the ashes. I could identify with Priscilla in A Perfect Plan as she is a perfectionist and has difficulty dealing with life when she can’t control how everything goes for her upcoming wedding. When everything around them seems to spin out of control will they find a way through it with God guiding them. A Christmas Miracle will find you needing tissues as Rachel Marie asks for help for her mom. A unique storyline for an Amish novella that will have you quickly turning pages.
I found all the characters well developed for short stories and the stories were complete and not rushed. Beth Wiseman has a strong storytelling gift that leaves you anxiously awaiting the next book. I highly recommend putting this on your summer reading list.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I like the idea of a collection of stories based around different celebrations! It can be a wonderful time of coming together with family and friends, and often the special feelings bring an extra dose of happiness. In these stories however, like real life, they come with an extra dose of drama. The characters are entertaining but also a bit exhausting. I had mixed feelings as I read this collection. I think I was in the mood for something a bit more gentle and humorous. The author does a good job of incorporating struggles, flaws, and the efforts it takes to turn things around to make it right again.
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.
Beautiful
I received a copy from The Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. I love books from Beth and this one brought four different novellas together in one book. Each of the stories brought together different celebrations of love, family, togetherness and new beginnings. Twin sisters find love but have loose their closeness for a while. A young couple go through a rough patch in their relationship and have to make hard decisions. Another couple have to get over disasters to find their love and peace, another mother has to find herself after marrying young and have children and find a holiday to find herself and family again.
Always surprises popping up.
I enjoyed these stories, just not long enough. prefer book on jost one story.
Amish Celebrations consists of four delightful heartfelt novellas. All of these stories are of the Amish and English worlds merging and influencing each other. Some good, some not so good.
1. In The Gift of Sisters, Beth introduces us to twin sisters as they enter their rumschpringe and the dating world. This story is geared more for a younger reader however, the moral of this story holds true at any age. Jealousy and envy only cause hurt and pain, driving wedges, and no matter what family should always come first.
2. In A New Beginning, Beth introduces us to a brother and sister and their future mates. This story also deals with jealousy however it is even more intense as each individual struggles with their faith. The moral of this story is never to jump to conclusions without knowing all of the facts.
3. In A Perfect Plan (also published in An Amish Wedding), Beth introduces us to a young couple about to be married. When things start to go wrong they both question if they are doing the right thing. The moral of this story is don’t sweat the small stuff, and love will always endure.
4. In A Christmas Miracle, Beth introduces us to a young couple with small children finding it hard to cope with life’s challenges. The moral of this story is that it is okay to ask for help and to accept it when it is offered regardless who it comes from.
Beth as always gave us four fantastic stories with morals to live by. Her gift of storytelling reaches far and wide and she is an inspiration to all. I enjoy reading Beth’s stories as she always gives me something to think about long after I am done reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via her Warrior influencer group. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all options expressed in this review are completely my own.
Amish Celebrations was a very nice collection of four novellas, all witten by Beth Wiseman. I had read one of the novellas before, but it had been quite a while, so I enjoyed reading it again.
In The Gift of Sisters, I had to remind myself that Hannah and Rachel were very young and immature, which lead to the way they were handling the jealousy that was tearing them apart. I ended up liking this story a lot by the end of the novella.
A New Beginning was absolutely filled with tension! Quite a few people in this novella had hard decisions to make regarding their futures and some had to find or offer forgiveness to someone. This one kept me anxiously turning the pages.
A Perfect Plan was the story that I had read before, so I did know how things worked out. Still, it was fun to revisit these characters.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like A Christmas Miracle when I read the description of the story, but I have to say that I ended up being very impressed with it. Not only did the author do a good job of capturing the frantic and overwhelming situation that Mary found herself in, I also enjoyed both the Amish and Englisch storylines. This was a very sweet story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Amish Celebrations by Beth Wiseman is a collection of Amish novellas. The Gift of Sisters is the story of Hannah and Rachel, fraternal twins, who will shortly turn sixteen and enter their rumschpringe. The sisters have always been close, but newcomer Abram Stoltzfus comes between them. Hannah, the beautiful and outgoing sister, quickly catches his attention knowing her sister was interested in him. Gideon has been friends with the twins their whole life, but he has fallen in love with Rachel. Does he stand a chance against the charming Abraham? Will the twins let a man come between them?
A New Beginning takes us to Paradise, Pennsylvania. Noah will soon be baptized and then marry Rebecca Fisher. He decides to enjoy a last Englisch party before his rumschpringe ends. Noah spends the evening talking with McKenna. Two weeks later, Noah calls off his wedding to Rebecca. Paul Fisher, Rebecca’s brother, has yet to be baptized and has been quietly meeting with McKenna. After seeing McKenna hug Noah, he jumps to conclusions and quits seeing her. What made Noah change his mind? Will there be a happy ending for these two couples?
In A Christmas Miracle, young Rachel Marie King sneaks off to visit Santa and his elf at the local toy store to request help for her mother for Christmas. Bruce Hanson, the Santa and Joan, the elf, are touched by the little girl’s request and send a check to the family. Mary King has five children under the age of seven and she is overwhelmed and exhausted. Gabriel, Mary’s husband, does not understand why Mary cannot keep a clean house and take care of the children as well. He is tired of sandwiches and coming home to a disorganized home. Mary visits Bruce to return the check which gives Joan a chance to talk with Mary. Joan feels God is calling her help the worn-out mother and begins visiting her with Bruce tagging along. Bruce has been at odds with God since the loss of his wife but being around the King family is helping him resolve his issues. See how God helps these individuals during the holiday season.
The fourth novella, A Perfect Plan was previously published in An Amish Wedding. I enjoyed reading these lovely Amish stories. They are well-written and engaging. My favorite novella was A Christmas Miracle. It is such a sweet, heartwarming story with good characters, special message, humor and a satisfying ending. I like how the Christian values and themes were incorporated into the story. We see the importance of having strong faith, the power of prayer, how God has a plan for our lives, events happen in God’s timing—not ours, the value of helping others and how God is always there for us. Beth Wiseman creates delightful characters. Though each story is short, we get to know them and see them develop. My least favorite story was The Gift of Sisters. I felt the two sisters were too young to become serious about a beau (they are considering marriage). It is realistic with two sisters fighting over a boy, but I thought it was predictable. My rating for Amish Celebrations is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Amish Celebrations contains stories that will touch your heart.
AMISH CELEBRATIONS by BETH WISEMAN
The Gift of Sisters
I loved the story which featured two sisters. They were different in personalities but have fallen for the same young man. Jealousy is an ugly thing that can lead to bitterness and hurt. Rachel is so envious of her sister Hannah, that I’m not sure their relationship will recover . I’m not sure that Abraham is right for either sister when he tries to force Hannah to do something she isn’t comfortable with. The story is so good and shows how lies can cause a friend or family member to question a person’s reputation. I loved how the author took a subject that all young women face and handled it with grace.
A New Beginning
I knew from the beginning pages that Noah was going to cause lots of problems. When he gets a taste of the English world, he forgets about his fiancee Rebecca and soon trouble follows . I was heartbroken when Noah does something to devastate Rebecca. Is he making the right choice? Has the outside world influenced him to not follow through with his commitment? I liked reading how Noah struggled with his faith . I think we all do at some point in our life. The story is a nice look at forgiveness, temptation and guilt. I liked a very special character named McKenna. She is such a loving person who so desperately wants to be loved and accepted. I cheered for her as well as Rebecca and Noah. Will Rebecca forgive Noah? Can McKenna find happiness? I loved the ending and thought the characters were easy to relate to.
A Perfect Plan
Every bride wants to have the perfect wedding. They plan everything and picture the perfect day. Priscilla is excited for her big day but things start to go wrong as the big day approaches. It’s hard for Priscilla to relax and her anxiousness overwhelms her. I liked how the author shows us how worry and doubt can cause us to lose faith in God. He has a plan for us, but sometimes it not exactly what we had envisioned. I loved finding out new traditions the Amish have. I didn’t know that the newlyweds stayed with the brides parents for about two months after they marry. During that time they would visit friends and family and collect wedding presents. Priscilla and Chester will need that extra time at the brides parents’ house as it seems their new house is having building problems. I could sense how hard it was on Priscilla as she continued to worry about everything. Have you wanted something so bad, you worries yourself sick? Will Priscilla and Chester have the perfect wedding? Can Priscilla let go of her worry and trust God?
A Christmas Miracle
As a mother it can be very trying as you change diapers, do laundry, clean house and cook. Mary has five children with one of them with a heart condition. Mary and her husband are doing the best they can, but some days it is too much for them. I remember when my boys were younger. I worked full time , then came home tired knowing that I needed to give the kids baths, do laundry and make sure everyone was fed. There were days I wanted to run away and wasn’t sure I could do it all. My husband was a big help, but I prayed for just one day for myself. Mary feels like she can’t keep up and is starting to doubt herself. The story is filled with joy and I loved how a special couple came into Mary’s life. It’s hard to decide which couple made the most impact on the other, but I know they were blessed and the ending is truly an inspiration.
I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion.
Four delightful page-turning Amish stories, that you can savor and read just one, or like the candy, finish them in one setting.
Each one will keep your attention and when the last of that one is finished, you will want more, at least until the final one is finish, and then I still wished I had more to go.
While the stories are all different they all emphasize the Amish lifestyle, with a mix of the English world out there. I loved how some of these novellas showed a perfect mix of the two worlds.
They also show a lot of the same challenges that go on no matter which culture you live in, and through out there is a love of God and family, which stress on Christian values.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.