Amish Christmas Miracles

I just finished reading The Christmas Fudge Miracle by Susan Lantz Simpson featured in the anthology, Amish Christmas Miracles, and I absolutely loved it. Having studied the Amish for many years, I must say Susan’s characters and situations and highly realistic. Her stories always entertain and inspire me. I can’t wait to read the rest of the anthology.

Before I look at each individual novella in this collection, I have to say that Amish Christmas Miracles is a fabulous read from start to finish. While – as is always the case with a multi-story collection – there were certain stories I loved slightly more than the others, there were absolutely none that fell flat. Each story is full of love, family, faith, and Christmas – with engaging characters and heartwarming plots that hold your attention from beginning to end.

Peanut Butter Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

Oh how I adore this author’s humor & the way she incorporates it so perfectly into her stories. I fell in love with precocious twin brothers Benji & Alfie in Andrew and they quickly became my favorite of her characters… well, next to Felty & Anna Helmuth and Bitsy Weaver. Anyway, the youngest Petersheim brothers are once again up to their misguided (not to mention hilarious and infinitely endearing) matchmaking efforts, and readers won’t be able to read this one without a huge grin on their faces.

The Christmas Prayer by Lenora Worth

This is such a sweet, heartfelt story of second chances and forgiveness. Thomas and Lizzie’s love for each other hasn’t faded but other people’s choices have kept them apart for five years. When Lizzie summons him home at his dying grandmother’s request, the magic of the season and a soul that needs to right a grievous wrong work overtime to stir those feelings to the surface once again. The author beautifully captures the poignancy to these scenes, and you may find yourself a little misty-eyed as I was on a couple of occasions.

A Stranger for Christmas by Serena B. Miller

Miller’s offering seems to be the longest story in this collection and looks to be the start of a new series. I really hope so because I wasn’t ready to be done with these characters yet, particularly with Lucas and Amy. But honestly I’m just as invested in Keenan-D and young Cameron too – for different reasons lol. The author wrote with touches of humor (the rooster scene!) and lots of heart. This is the perfect story to cozy up with in front of a roaring fire and let the spirit of Christmas wrap around your heart.

Sleigh Bells Ring by Kathleen Fuller

This is one of the shorter novellas of the group, but it carries the same warmth and talent as the others. Fuller makes use of every word, setting the scene and developing the characters as smartly as those of much longer novels. She soon has readers fully embracing Griffin and Hope and rooting for them to make their feelings known. Woven through the romance is a gentle message of the importance of community & belonging – and extending both to even the difficult people around us.

A Christmas to Treasure by Rachel J. Good

I always enjoy this author’s romances, and her novella in Amish Christmas Miracles is no exception. Full of emotion-laden romantic tension, Joshua & Rose’s story may make it difficult to breathe sometimes – from both the emotion and the romance. Lots of wounded people in a thrown-together family means tension of all kinds is in full display, and your heart will break for each of these characters. But with the grace I’ve come to expect from this author she adds well-timed doses of precious sweetness and wit to lighten the load … and wraps it all in the comfort of Jesus and the beauty of tentative new love.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Jennifer Spredemann

This author’s work is less familiar to me, so I really enjoyed getting this taste for her writing style. I loved her winsome characters as well as the clever plot, Rosco the dog, and Janie’s dad with a twinkle in his eye. Fun wit and humor are sprinkled throughout, as well as a full range of other emotions. Rob & Janie’s ‘meet cute’ is creative and leads to a very sweet romance with some great kisses. This is a really cute story that just makes your heart smile, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Spredemann’s books in the future!

A Christmas Homecoming by Mary Alford

Alford’s novella is another lovely second chance romance in a charming setting and a gentle faith message. I loved the parallels (whether intended or not) between Abby & Simon’s rekindling relationship, regrets over past choices for them both, and the restoration of Abby’s family home. It gave this story a lot of depth and additional layers, and watching them fall in love was really sweet and enjoyable.

The Christmas Program by Laura Bradford

Any time I have a new Laura Bradford read at my fingertips is a happy, happy occasion. I love her warmth, the dimensionality of her characters & plots, and the tender romance she weaves throughout. Her novella in Amish Christmas Miracles is everything I hoped it would be. Leah’s natural gift as a teacher and love for her students made my heart smile, and little Emily Mast stole the show for me. I loved watching this unlikely threesome help each other overcome fears & insecurities, and of course the sweet romance was icing on the sugar cookie! (And did I mention how much I adored Emily?!?)

Louisa’s Christmas Blessing by Dana R. Lynn

This is another favorite author of mine (though usually I’m reading her romantic suspense novels), and oh my goodness I loved this story! Tragedy derailed a budding romance between teenagers Caleb & Louisa and when we catch up with them nine years later it’s another tragedy that brings them together. And of course I fell headlong into love with Caleb’s young kids – they are so precious, adorable, and completely heart-stealing. The conversations between Caleb & Louisa are a delightful mix of witty and sweet, and it was truly a pleasure to watch their feelings for each other leap back to life. One of my fave stories in the collection!

The Heart’s Return by Adina Senft

While I’ve previously read and loved the majority of authors in the Amish Christmas Miracles collection, this is my first time reading anything by Adina Senft. I went into it with no expectations but quickly found myself enjoying it just as much as the other stories. Anna and Neil are great, though realistically flawed, characters and while they suffer from a typical lack of communication it doesn’t squelch their chemistry or the longing evident in both of them. I also really loved one of the supporting characters, and since this is part of a series, I’m hoping to discover more of her story as I catch up on the author’s other books!

The Christmas Fudge Miracle by Susan Lantz Simpson

I’ve read (and enjoyed) one other book by this author but am still fairly new to her work, so I was very glad to see a story by her in the collection. First of all, I have to say that it made me super hungry for Christmasy food haha. I also really enjoyed spending time with BethAnn & David, getting a front row seat as they developed a sweet friendship that soon blossomed into something more. BethAnn is easily likable, and David is too, once he gets past his initial gruffness. Their wit and affection will leave a smile on your face for sure.

The Blessings Jar by Loree Lough

It’s been a while since I got to read something by Loree Lough, and I wasn’t disappointed at all by the chance to correct that oversight with The Blessings Jar. The author tackles some sensitive issues in her novella – and does so with great tact and grace, as well as dignity. My heart broke for David’s past and Anna’s present, and I wanted to give them both big hugs more than once. Nonetheless, this isn’t a heavy story, and there are plenty of opportunities to smile, chuckle, and swoon too. I even liked the quirky & affectionate turkey Broze (high praise from me since I share Anna’s bird phobia). Very sweet message throughout.

A Gift Worth Waiting For by Tracy Fredrychowski

This was my first read by this author, too, and it ended up being one of my favorites in the collection! Like some of the other stories in this book, Amanda & Adam’s romance is a blend of heartbreaking and heartwarming – and the author achieves the perfect balance of both. Lots of cute and humorous moments with the kids involved, plenty of gently swoony moments with the adults too. I loved both Amanda and Adam, as well as Amanda’s siblings, and all of their interactions even in the midst of their grief and uncertainty. A tender reminder that God cares and has plans for our good, no matter how unlikely.

The Amish Author’s Christmas by Ashley Emma

Another new-to-me author! It was fun to watch Ivy’s somewhat misguided attempts to get much needed inspiration for her next novel by tagging along for an Amish Christmas, and of course falling in love with more than just Isaiah. Her faith journey is quite touching, and I appreciated how naturally the author worked that into the story without being preachy or feeling forced. I also enjoyed getting to know Isaiah’s family through Ivy’s eyes – and her through theirs. A lovely story all around!

Bottom Line: Phew! That’s a lot of stories haha but wow – they were all so good! No weak one in the bunch. A collection like this is always a great way to find new authors and get a taste for their style, while also enjoying familiar favorites. I found that to be very true in Amish Christmas Miracles, and I heartily recommend it for fans of Amish fiction or just sweet holiday romance.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)

I have read an early copy of Jennifer Spredemanns story ‘ An Unexpected Christmas Gift ‘ one of the stories in the Amish Christmas Miracles Collection, releasing November 10,2020. Such a wonderful love story of. Robert & Janie are writing back and fourth to try to solve a mystery. Robert was Amish but now a Englisher but he is willing to give up everything to be with Janie.
Love that JEB Spredemann’s has God’s love throughout her books.

Ashley Emma – The Amish Author’s Christmas: This is the only book I have read in this collection and it was really great! An author goes into an Amish community to gather new material to write about. Something different than her usual stories. Something fresh! And she discovers more there than she ever imagined. This well-written tale was a page turner and a delightful read focusing in on second chances in a surprising way as romance is in the air. Loved it!

I was able to read Jennifer Spredemann story An Unexpected Christmas Gift from The Amish Christmas Miracles Collection coming out in November. An Amish romance where two people met from the delivery of a box of chocolates. It was a different way for an Amish woman and a pilot who was Amish come together and fall in love. You will want to keep reading and not put down.

I just finished reading an early copy of Jennifer Spredemann’s story ‘An Unexpected Christmas Gift’, one of the stories included in the Amish Christmas Miracles Collection’ releasing November 10, 2020.

This story has an unusual way that way these characters “accidentally” come together. If Hallmark made an Amish Christmas movie, this novella would be the perfect storyline. Janie and Rob have both faced heartache in the past; and each thinks that the life they now have is the best for them….until they meet, and hope begins to bloom in both their hearts. This is a sweet story with a theme of faith in God and the unexpected ways He works for our good.

If all the stories in this book are this good—and there’s some very gifted authors putting this collection together—this is going to be a wonderful book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Here’s an additional review of another fun, lively story:
I have loved every book I’ve read by Jennifer Beckstrand, but I’ve especially enjoyed “The Petersheim Brothers” series that features
the young twin brothers, Alfie and Benji. Alfie and Benji have adventurous spirits and caring hearts, the combination of which keeps their mother on her toes.

Alfie and Benji also consider themselves expert matchmakers, and this time their attention is turned towards their grown-up friend, Mary. The twins deeply love Mary, because she gives them free homemade donuts and soda pop. They realize that Mary is deeply unhappy because her romance with Jerry has fallen apart. They come up with a perfect plan to reunite Mary and Jerry—-and this delightful story follows the twins as they get ready for Christmas and launch their matchmaking plan into action. Alfie wants his own cake for Christmas, but Benji wants a Christmas miracle. This is a charming story. I promise you’ll smile your way through every page of this story. If you’ve not read any of the books in this wonderful series, you’ll love this introduction to Alfie and Benji.

I’m looking forward to reading every story in this collection!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Another wonderful story in this collection:
A Gift Worth Waiting For
By Tracy Fredrychowski
This story is part of the “Amish Christmas Miracles” collection
My Review:
What a sweet story! As I read the first few pages, my heart went out to Amanda Beiler, the main character in this story. Amanda’s mother has just passed away, and Amanda is now the sole caretaker of her seven younger sisters. As Amanda looks toward her future, she feels her dream of marriage and a family of her own is slipping away. Her faith is shaky, and life seems sad and uncertain. Adam Weaver, Amanda’s neighbor, is still grieving the loss of wife and child, but as he sees Amanda’s struggles, he feels compelled to help Amanda’s family in any way he can. I enjoyed following the growing friendship between Amanda and Adam, and seeing them both come to realize that God had wonderful plans for their lives that surpass what they could imagine.

Although this story is shorter in length, it’s full of hope, faith, and love. It’s perfect reading for the busy Christmas season and turning our thoughts towards God’s goodness to us.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rachel J. Good’s lovely story in this collection:

Christmas To Treasure by Rachel J. Good
A story from the “Amish Christmas Miracles” collection

Rose Beiler is 30 years old and still single. She longs for a husband and family of her own. Joshua King is a widower with four little girls to raise. When Joshua’s sister approaches both Rose and Joshua about considering a marriage of convenience, Rose quickly agrees. She had loved Joshua during their teenage years, and even though it’s a marriage of convenience, Rose is looking forward to the companionship of marriage. But Joshua has struggles he isn’t sharing with Rose; and Rose’s relationship with Joshua’s oldest daughter is off to a difficult start. Rose’s expectations of happiness seem very dim, and her dreams of a having a loving family during the Christmas season seems further away than ever before.

I loved the character of Rose. She’s a caring and unselfish young woman. Even when her path seems difficult, she always relies on her faith to carry her through. Throughout this whole story, I was hoping that Joshua would finally realize the true treasure he had found in Rose. This story tugged at my heart, and is a perfect story to highlight the spirit of unselfish giving during Christmas season.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I have read an ARC early copy of Jennifer Spredemann’s story “An Unexpected Christmas Gift”; one of the stories included in ‘Amish Christmas Miracles Collection’ to be released November 10, 2020.
This is a typical Spredemann masterpiece. I could not put this down. The first reading I read until I fell asleep and dropped my phone. Had to wait to finish it. This is a wonderful story with loveable characters. It will make you laugh. My favorite character is Joash Mishler. I can just picture that bearded fellow eavesdropping and peeking around corners to see what is going on. There is a little bit of mystery, a little bit of love, a little bit of Christmas miracles and a lot of God in this story. I can’t wait to read the whole book and see what other great stories are included.

I loved this book! All the stories were so well done. Such a perfect book to read at Christmas time! Those who like Amish romance will enjoy these stories. I wish I had a print copy to easier share this book with my family.

If you are wanting to read some new authors, I recommend starting with this wonderful collection of Amish Christmas stories. These are many of my favorite authors and this was a great way for me to meet some new ‘favorite’ authors. These stories will truly touch your heart and brighten your day. I do enjoy Amish stories and these didn’t disappoint!

I read A Christmas to Treasure by Rachel J. Good from the book, Amish Christmas Miracles which has fourteen stories in all by fourteen different authors, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I had tears in my eyes from some of the events that took place in the story. This is a heartwarming Amish story that has a marriage of convenience that doesn’t seem very convenient, an angry older daughter who misses her mom, lots of patience, love, chores, worries and Christmas around the corner.

I loved how the older Englischwoman, Mrs. Vandenberg, was known as the wealthy charity lady and those she offered help to didn’t take it lightly or reluctantly. She was a warmhearted, generous and kind person and got her friends to do the same. Rose is very resourceful and always trying to do the right thing while living her life the way she was brought up. I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Rose, Joshua and his daughters as well as their new neighbors who moved into the ramshackle home on the farm across the street from them. There was some closure but I’d love to meet up with their families again.

Rachel J. Good is one of my favorite authors of Amish stories. I look forward to reading the rest of the book which includes some new to me authors.