In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays—with fruitful results . . . THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard GrayWhen the foster parents they’ve cautiously grown to love discover they’re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by … by the certainty they’ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own—and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . . NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. GoodStill grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke’s love—and new beginnings of their own . . . TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree LoughSpirited twins Priscilla and Leora Schwietert have each been blessed with mischievous twins of their own—all born on Christmas. Nearing their fourteenth birthdays, their sons have asked for horses. Their parents can fulfill their wish—but worry they’ll be rewarding unruly behavior. The solution: A contract requiring hard work and an anonymous gift for someone in need. After thoughtful prayer, the boys surprise their parents—as each husband and wife rediscovers their joy in Christmas and their love for each other. . .
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Just the right set of amazing stories to kick of the Christmas season.
The Christmas Not-Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray.
Will and E,A’s hearts were the most endearing and sweet thing about this story. The end of the story brought tears to my eyes. Happy tears of course! It looked like they had bitten more than they could chew when they decided to foster Jemima and Roy but I loved their patience with the children and how they loved them unconditionally despite their antics. This story sure warmed my heart bringing the message of Christmas in all its goodness.
New Beginnings by Rachel J. Good
Anything Christmas reminded Elizabeth of all she lost and her pain was palpable through the pages of this book. I loved the story of how God rewrote her story of bringing more into her life than she had lost. The season of Christmas for her was one of restoration.
Twins Times Two by Loree Lough
Awwww these double twins were adorable as they were trouble. I loved how under the patient and loving mentorship of Jubal they became responsible. Jubal and Abby had history of a lot of hurt and pain but it was beautiful to read how they allowed God’s healing and love to give them a beautiful future.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH * Shelley Shepard Gray
This cute novella had so many of the ingredients that I love.
It features foster children, a loving family, and a glimpse into characters we’ve seen in previous books (even though you can totally do this as a stand-alone). I loved everything about this sweet, emotional story.
/5
NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good
I enjoyed this emotionally captivating story as well. It explores loss, forgiveness, and second chances in a surprising and sweet way. You can feel the emotions and can’t help but empathize with Elizabeth and her story. Luke has his own story and maybe someday they will have a story together.
/5
TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough
In this story, I did not connect as much with the main characters but loved the twins and their mischievous ways! I loved how grown up they were by the end and how much they showed care for their parents and neighbors. This was a sweet, quick read.
/5
What heart touching stories! With twin grandchildren they especially touched me. Kids in stories make the stories so much more realistic and relatable. These stories were hard to put down for numerous reasons. Family, childish beliefs and the Christmas season made for wonderfully heartwarming stories.
I will freely admit that Amish Christmas Twins is my first venture into the sub-genre of Amish Romance. It’s not because I thought I wouldn’t like them… no, it’s because I knew I would and I already have so many unread books on my e-reader that I don’t have to buy a new book for a year. An unusual reason but a very real one nonetheless.
And, exactly as I expected, I was caught up emotionally in each and every story in this anthology. Nothing tugs at my heartstrings more than kids at Christmas time. Nothing.
THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH is a perfect example. Roy and Jemima, orphaned and in foster care due to the death of their parents, absolutely love their foster mom and dad – they secretly wish that they’d be adopted and stay here forever. But. There will soon be a new baby in the house and these adorable kids are certain that they will be tossed aside. They are in for quite a surprise this Christmas. Absolutely loved this story, tears, laughter, and all.
My heart absolutely broke for Elizabeth in NEW BEGINNINGS. What unimaginable pain and heartache to go through. Yet she will find a new way, a man who can and does love her to help her deal with the pain… a new path she never expected can lead to happiness once again. Tears, so many real tears slid down my face with this story. So be prepared. Luke and Elizabeth are so right for each other that watching them discover that was a joy to read.
And, finally, TWINS TIMES TWO. The antics of these kids and the stubbornness of these adults had me in stitches – and maybe shaking my head at their shenanigans at times. When two sets of twin cousins cause some very real trouble at a neighboring farm their punishment is to help around that farm until restitution is met – and to help two people in need within the community. Helping around the farm is one thing, but these boys will soon be helping Jube and Abigail find their way to a very happy ending that is long overdue.
I enjoyed each story, although to be fair, there are some connections to series that I have not read – I don’t feel that I needed to in order to enjoy myself in this anthology but it is worth mentioning. If you love a faith-filled romance with some very special Christmas time events happening then you’ll want to pick up Amish Christmas Twins and dive right in.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
AMISH CHRISTMAS TWINS is a warm Christmas anthology filled with (you guessed it) twins, holiday celebrations, romance, and love. The stories are vastly different but all held my interest from the first page to the last. And I love the cover.
THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming but also heartbreaking story. Jemima and her younger brother, Roy, lost their parents three years ago and have been placed with many foster families since then. In their placement before the current one, the couple was mean and only took them in for the money they received as foster parents. Jemima and Roy don’t want to get their hopes up that E.A. and Will might give them their forever home, especially after a secret is revealed. Fast-paced and filled with caring and love, the story has nice closure (especially since the last chapter takes place one year later on Christmas Day) and a wonderful happily ever after. An emotionally rewarding read.
NEW BEGINNINGS is authored by Rachel J. Good. She’s one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction, and she writes phenomenal books. This is Elizabeth and Luke’s story, and it showcases how Luke’s shyness years ago cost him everything. He and Elizabeth had feelings for each other but neither knew how the other felt. They were childhood friends, along with Elizabeth’s deceased husband. When her husband died, it seemed as if he took all her dreams with him. The story has many heartbreaking moments for Elizabeth, yet Luke always helps her through. The work ethic of this caring, small community really encapsulates the love in the story. “New Beginnings” has more than one meaning in this heartwarming story.
TWINS TIMES TWO is by Loree Lough, and it’s a wonderful story. Twin cousins are dubbed “Double Trouble.” They decided to taunt a bull on a neighbor’s farm and this could have turned out a lot worse than it did! Instead if seems to set the four boys on the right path after their parents issue their punishment. They have to help Jube, a dairy farmer and the owner of the bull, with chores, and he imparts wisdom to them on many fronts. Watching their turnaround and their effect on Jube was heartwarming. There’s a secondary story involving Jube and Abigail, who have a history that took a bad turn on the night her husband died several years back. That part of the story looks promising for a happily ever after with a lot more story to tell, but unfortunately, the story ended too abruptly for me.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
A fun read for Christmas and Amish genre readers. I made sure to take my time by reading a story a night.
Fans of @Shelley.s.gray ‘s Walnut Creek series will be thrilled with The Christmas Not-Wish as we get to revisit the gang.
New Beginnings by @rachelj.good was a tear-jerker for me.
Two Times Two by @loree_lough was a fun read with the 4 little imps.
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for a complimentary copy of Amish Christmas Twins by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, and Loree Lough for the purpose of reading and reviewing. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.
The Christmas Not Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray
4.5 Gold Crowns
This is a sweet Christmas story with two endearing children who are placed in foster care with a young Amish couple. The couple are loving and kind, but when they learn they are expecting, the children overhear them talking and grow fearful. The plot touched my heart, and I enjoyed Ms. Shepard’s emotional tale a lot. This is not my first time reading one of her books, and it will not be the last!
New Beginnings by Rachel J. Good
4.5 Gold Crowns
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming Christmas Amish tale with engaging characters and a heartfelt plot. As a young Amish widow mourns the loss of her husband and unborn child, she dreads the upcoming holidays. The only bright moments in her life are spent with her neighbor. Luke Bontrager has a growing affection for the pretty widow. They become involved with a shelter for unwed mothers, and Elizabeth donates the bay items, she’d prepared for her child. My heart ached for Elizabeth as she attempts to move past her grief. Luke is perfect for her, and I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.
Twins Times Two by Loree Lough
4 Gold Crowns
There are lots of giggles and chuckles in this delightful Christmas tale as two sets of twin boys take on extra chores to earn horses for the Christmas gift. Their mothers are twins as well and very close. I enjoyed the antics of these mischievous duos. I was pleased that they discovered the true meaning of Christmas!
I enjoyed all three novellas in this lovely Christmas Anthology. I’m glad I found this on Net-Galley and requested it since Amish fiction is fast becoming one of my favorite genres. If you like Christmas tales with plenty of heart, then you will enjoy Amish Christmas Twins as much as I did. Happy reading!
Amish Christmas Twins by Shelley Shepherd Gray; Rachel J. Good; and Loree Lough
In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays—with fruitful results . . . THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray When the foster parents they’ve cautiously grown to love discover they’re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they’ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own—and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . . NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke’s love—and new beginnings of their own . . . TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough Spirited twins Priscilla and Leora Schwietert have each been blessed with mischievous twins of their own—all born on Christmas. Nearing their fourteenth birthdays, their sons have asked for horses. Their parents can fulfill their wish—but worry they’ll be rewarding unruly behavior. The solution: A contract requiring hard work and an anonymous gift for someone in need. After thoughtful prayer, the boys surprise their parents—as each husband and wife rediscovers their joy in Christmas and their love for each other. . .
THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH by Shelley Shepard Gray.
This is E.A.and Will Kurtz’s story.
Jemima and Roy Fisher’s story.
NEW BEGINNINGS by Rachel J. Good
This is Elizabeth Yoder and Luke Bontrager’s story.
Elizabeth works at a Christmas Shop in town.
Luke owns a cabinet and furniture store down the street.
TWINS TIMES TWO by Loree Lough
This is Abagail and Jube’s story.
two sets of twin boys.
I highly recommend reading.
“Amish Christmas Twins” by Shelley Shepherd Gray; Rachel J. Good; and Loree Lough is a wonderful well written 5 star 3 novellas in one book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Shelley Shepherd Gray; Rachel J. Good; and Loree Lough
I received a complimentary e-book from Net Galley and Kensington Publishers.
Amish Christmas Twins contains three heartwarming Amish Christmas stories with the theme of twins. I found the tales to be well-written and engaging. The Christmas Not-Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray is part of The Walnut Creek Series. Fans of the series will be delighted with charming novella. We get to see E.A. and Will Kurtz get their dream of children and in a way they never expected. New Beginning is a touching story. I could feel the pain that Elizabeth is experiencing. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Christmas items at the shop as well as the beautiful Nativity sets that Luke carved. Twins Times Two is a humorous story with two sets of twin boys from twin mothers. The boys are more mischievous than their mothers ever were (and people thought it was not possible). I enjoyed the faith messages in each story especially that we must let go and trust God. I know that it something that I struggle with each day. Christmas is a time for miracles, and we get to see one in each sweet novella. The stories in Amish Christmas Twins will get you in the mood for the holiday season.
New Beginnings
The love Luke and Elizabeth secretly had for each other since their teen years was so strong it never ended. At least, not for Luke. They never let the other know of their feelings and that led to heartache for Luke and settling for Elizabeth. If only they had been honest and communicated all those years ago.
Ms Good gives us a wonderful Christmas story full of a never-ending love, heartache, loss and New Beginnings. Pick up a copy of Amish Christmas Twins and read Luke and Elizabeth’s story. You’ll love it!
Amish Christmas Twins was such a great collection of stories to read! These novellas definitely put me in the mood for a warm and cozy Christmas! Each story, in some way, had twins as a part of the plot. I enjoyed that every novella incorporated this theme in an original way.
In The Christmas-Not Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray, my heart hurt for what the foster children had been through over the past few years. But it was a joy to see as things turned around for them.
In New Beginnings by Rachel J. Good, I felt heartbroken for all that Elizabeth had lost. I knew that Luke was also heartsick. I felt so much for these two characters! There were so many emotional moments in this story.
In Twins Times Two by Loree Lough, I really felt as if I was on the farm with Jube and the boys. He and Abigail had a lot to work through and I could feel the tension between them as they faced the past and all that had happened a few years earlier.
I would definitely recommend this collection to fans of Amish fiction. It is packed with emotion and each story was enjoyable to read.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Three well known Amish fiction writers come together to write three wonderful heartwarming stories under the title of Amish Christmas Twins. There are similarities in each story. Twins of course, adoption and generosity in all. Although in Twins Times Two by Loree Lough, Jubal didn’t adopt, only “borrowed” four boys to teach them responsibility through chores at his farm. I was deeply moved by how much they changed and the tremendous gifts they made as well. The Christmas Not-Wish by Shelley Shepherd Gray brought how being foster parents changed not only a couple but the twins that came into their life. Lots of obstacles were surfaced that had to be worked through, especially grief and loss. Misunderstandings cause some strife but Christmas is on the way! New Beginnings by Rachel J. Good, bring the generosity of a widow its own rewards. Elizabeth is still grieving the loss of her husband and her unborn baby in an accident. Her next door neighbor Luke, is trying his best to help her work through it but it’s a hard road to walk. When she finally has enough courage to empty out the baby nursery upstairs wonderful things begin to happen.
Even during the heat of summer these joyous Christmas stories brought a warmth to my heart and a smile on my face.
I received a complimentary ebook copy from the author and Netgalley but was not required to write a review.
The Christmas not Wish
Before you sit down and start reading grab a box of tissues you will thank you me later.
This story was so guy wrenching, two children looking for they belonged and wanting nothing more then to have a family who loves them. EA and Will want a family and they get a surprise but they love these two like no other. This story was the perfect Christmas story it just draws you in and before you know it it’s over. So so good!
New Beginnings
When faced with loosing someone you love is hard enough but during the holidays is even harder. Elizabeth faced just that and she was trying her hardest to continue to tackle life as if threw her for a loop. Luke has always pined for Elizabeth and if that meant helping her and loving her from a far he was going to do it even if it killed him inside. I like Luke for that reason he just seemed to have this big heart of gold and was whiling to be there for his neighbors no matter who that was. This was a tough story to read if you ever loss someone close because you can truly feel the emotions, but you really can’t go wrong with it either.
Twins Times Two
This story was kind of a lighthearted story in away compared to the other two stories in the book. While Abagail dealt with loss she was healing and trying to make amends with the past. I loved the twin brothers man what kind of mischief those four could get into, and boy did they add some laughter to this book. I like Jube he was a sweet spirit who just left you wanting to do more for others. I like this story a lot it really did remind you what Christmas was all about.
Overall this book was a fun read emotional but also lighthearted. This book is a good clean read and suitable for all ages. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a fantastic set of three novellas that are all based around Christmas, Amish and twins. The first book is by Shelley Shepard Gray , the second by Rachel J. Good and the third by Loree Lough. Each story is quite different but they are equally wonderful. I laughed and cried through all three stories. These are all inspirational and they have a lot of family. I received a copy of this book from Shelley Shepard Gray for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Amish Christmas Twins is a collection of three short stories by three authors all known for their Amish books. All are set around Christmas and involve twins, all in different stages.
They are all heart warming stories and bring the magic of Christmas.
I was given an ARC by Kensington and NetGalley for an honest review.
This collection of Amish Christmas stories was written by three excellent authors: Shelley Shepard Gray; Rachel J. Good; and Loree Lough. It’s no surprise that these three stories are heart-touching and entertaining. Even though these are shorter novella length stories, the stories felt complete and the endings were not rushed. As I finished each one, I felt as if I’d read a full length novel. The length of each story is perfect for reading during a busy holiday season.
The “twins” theme works very well in this collection, especially because each set of twins is of different ages and in very different situations. I loved the characters in each story, and smiled when I recognized some “old friends” from previous books. There were things that I enjoyed about each individual story. If you love Christmas fiction, Amish fiction, or both—-you’ll enjoy these inspiring stories that reflect the true meaning of the season.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Amish Christmas Twins is a delightful collection of three novellas about twins at Christmas. We learn that while twins can bring mischief to families, they can also bring joy and happiness. Each of these authors present us with stories based on love, faith, and the miracle of Christmas time. The first story tells of foster parents who if they can will have double the fun and double the love here at Christmas. The second is story tells the tale of one may find love and faith even during the darkest moments. Finally, the last story is that of finding renewal and answers even when you feel that there are none. I look forward to more stories by these authors. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
This collection is a Christmas treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. Each story was sweet and special. One is about foster twins learning to trust that they might finally have a new home. The other two stories are about people opening themselves up for a second chance at love. I loved this collection. This anthology also gave me two more authors to put in my reading list.
Three sweet Amish stories to keep you captivated and page turning!
We are back with the 8 with Shelley Shepard Gray, and I have enjoyed all of the books surrounding this group, and this one is excellent. I could just feel the pain of those orphans, and now they are where God wants them to be, but it is hard for them!
The book by Rachel J Good really pulls on your heart, and you wonder how it can come to a happy ending, wow! I can’t even imagine cleaning out that bedroom!
The story by Loree Lough almost made my heart stop right in the beginning, word pictures made me feel like I was a spectator and watching these young boys, a time when they needed a firm hand. I enjoyed how these teens were dealt with by their parents and the outcome. This one will have you looking for answers, and there are surprises
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Three beautiful novellas to get you in the Christmas spirit Each story is about twins. I enjoyed them all. The first one Christmas Not Wish is a story about Roy and Jemima Fisher they lose their parents and are put into Foster care. .The children are shuffled around till they are put into the Kurtz home. When they find out the Kurtz’s are expecting the children decide to run away after Jemima overhears them talking. The second one is New Beginnings Elizabeth Yoder is grieving the loss of her husband and unborn child. She works in a shop trying to make ends meet. Luke Bontrager was a friend of her husband and a neighbor. Luke was a shy man and he had feelings for Elizabeth but never showed it. After she had Luke help her clean out the nursery and donate them to a home for teen moms something beautiful happens. The last book Twins Time two This story is about two people who are lonely but keep to themselves. After they help some boys who caused mischief they are drawn together. Beautiful read to get you in the mode of Christmas.