From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four delicious stories perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the holiday season. Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston Alyssa Byler wants to build a sugar cookie nativity scene for her bakery’s Christmas window display–all she needs is the right cookie cutters. She turns to handsome blacksmith Kyle Smoker. Using Kyle’s handmade cutters, Alyssa … blacksmith Kyle Smoker. Using Kyle’s handmade cutters, Alyssa created a striking display that brings more customers than she can handle. She soon realizes she’s been too busy to focus on the true meaning of Christmas–and too distracted to explore her feelings for Kyle. Together, they put aside the holiday rush to celebrate the season that brought them together.
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
Katie Swartzentruber has been left in charge of her family’s bakery, but she soon finds herself overwhelmed with orders during the holiday season. She is tempted to move her Old Order family into the modern world by using propane ovens. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Henry Hershberger is trying to find the courage to tell Katie that he’s harbored a secret crush on Katie for years. As the demands at the bakery intensify, both Katie and Henry must find the courage to go after what’s important.
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
When her aunt Carolyn begs for help during the busy Christmas rush, Mattie Shetler eagerly packs her bags and heads to Birch Creek. She doesn’t know her uncle has also asked for help with the bakery’s new expansion from Peter Kaufman, Mattie’s sworn enemy. As the two work together, Mattie discovers not all is as it seems. With Christmas just around the corner, Mattie and Peter open their hearts for the greatest gifts of the season: forgiveness and maybe even love.
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin
Martha Ropp works hard at her family’s bakery, making cakes and pies for community celebrations. To help during the busy Christmas season, Martha’s mother hires Ambrose Hershberger to make deliveries. Martha remembers Ambrose as a gentle giant from her school days. But the more they work together, the more they want to spend time together outside of the bakery. When both are too timid to make the first move, the town matchmakers step in.
more
This book contains four beautifully written stories by well known writers of Amish fiction, Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin.
Each story centers around bakeries during the busy Christmas season. Hardships are realized when family members are sick or healing from surgery and the burden of keeping up with all the orders falls on one or two. Being too busy and stressed to stop and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas becomes an issue.
The characters in each story were well written and fun to get to know, but my favorites were Martha and Ambrose in Cakes and Kisses. They warmed my heart and made me pull for them to become a couple. A few happy tears were shed.
If you like to read sweet romances and get in the spirit of the season you will love these. Grab a sugar cookie or two and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa and relax as you read these heart warming stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
This has 4 stories each one about working in a bakery during Christmas.The authors are Beth Wiseman,Amy Clipston,Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin.Each one was different but all were enjoyable and kept you interested till the end.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston:
Alyssa Byler dreaming of the next holiday window display for her work. As she draws out her idea for the window display and then she gets permission to create it. She needs to ask someone to make the cookie cutters for her. As Alyssa Byler get more ideas. Will they be all good. She asks Kyle Smoker to make the Cookie Cutters will happen when there is more demand?
Alyssa Byler seems to get pulled into the hustle and bustle and forget the most important thing about her lifestyle. As the season approves and gets busier. Everyone is trying to remind her of what import at this time when Christmas is coming.
Will she learn it and ask to be forgiven. Kyle and Alyssa’s relationship grows. Will they make it through the rough patch. Celebrate the coming to Christ as it meant to be. Will Alyssa ask the one person to help give her a solution for her to be with her family and Kyle and help her friend Denise?
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman:
What would you do if you were left in charge of the bakery during the holiday season? Well, Katie is and she seems to be seeing someone. Though we learn that she is the only girl in a family of eight. So she got to help once her mother is put on bed rest after surgery.
Henry has finally has been able to feel up to ask Katie out on a date. Will, he finally asks her or will it be too late? Henry seems to have some issues with his feelings. He is a family friend of Katie and her family.
There seems to be a woman that comes into the bakery and asks Katie if she can get her order and have it ready by Friday. As she was about the work on the order and miss lunch when David comes in take Katie out to dinner. What will she do?
It seems things get more interesting as the story goes on. What happens between Katie and David? What will happen between Claire and Henry? Katie’s brother Jonas stops by as well. What will happen when Katie takes the new oven gift from David?
The woman seems to have ordered twelve loaves of bread. What she does with them. You will be surprised. Katie seems to want her wood ovens after trying it and some mishaps. This woman seems to give Katie a loaf of bread.
The woman talks about the number of twelve. There seem to be quite a few things in the bible the number twelve. She just says the lord was to give it to her and that she calls the bread “Loaves of Love” and then leaves the bakery. You will not believe how it ends when Katie sees another loaf of bread on the counter?
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller:
Have you ever thought you were friends with someone and it turns out they are not your friend? Well, It seems this is the case with Mattie. Does Mattie think she would be like her best friend? Though maybe she should decide for herself.
Mattie is asked to come to help her aunt when she calls her. Though she after a few weeks. She finds out that Peter is coming. Though her aunt and uncle doe not know she strongly dislikes him. Though she believes Peter is horrible.
Peter arrives and things get more interesting between Mattie and Peter. Does Mattie know her friend is using her? Mattie seems to believe that Peter is someone that bad and not to be trusted? But maybe he’s a nice guy but can not admit it. Mattie seems to tear between her beliefs and her feelings.
Peter comes to help out with an additional job that Atlee as offered him. Peter seems to be around Mattie. You will be surprised at how this ends. Who will trust who? Mattie’s aunt Caroline and her Uncle Atlee get some unexpected news. They are shocked by the news. I do not want to give away the ending to either of the couples mentioned. Is Lizzy more mean and curl and why?
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin:
How would you feel if you were picked on when doing your job? It boys that do it and find out they do it on purpose. Well, Ambrose gets treated differently. Most everyone likes him. You will be surprised to learn about him.
Martha seems to be at a loss when she finds out her mother passes away. Leaving her and her sister Elsie and her younger siblings to care for. Martha seems to have a bit hard time with the loss of her mother. But will she find love?
Ambrose and Martha seem like they like each other. What will happen when they want to spend more time together? Martha wants to help Ambrose learn to read. Will happen. Burke and Carina seem to want to help her and Ambrose out as well.
The four stories in this delightful book are set around a bakery. Each story is filled with wonderful characters who experience faith, love, hope and family. Join the authors on a journey during a holiday that brings laughter, joy and unconditional love.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston
I loved the excitement Alyssa had as she decides how to decorate the big display window in the bakery. Christmas was coming soon and she wanted a display that would bless everyone. Her idea was wonderful and I enjoyed learning about cookie cutters. The hard work that Kyle puts in to make just the right cookie cutters was heartwarming. Who knew how much attention his designs would get? As you read the story, get ready to find the urge to rush to the store. You will be wanting to buy every cookie cutter available. Feelings get hurt as Alyssa is more focused on the bakery than her family. It is a good lesson in forgiveness.
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
Oh my what a wonderful story this was. I loved Katie and how she stepped up in her family’s bakery. With her mother recovering from surgery Katie is left alone to run the bakery. The bakery has always had wonderful reviews from customers and the wooden stove Katie uses to bake with is the secret to their success. I was overwhelmed with Katie as she continued to get orders in. She is juggling trying to meet deadlines and having a young man interested in her.
David means well, but is kinda pushy. He seems to put Katie down a little as her district is more strict than his. When Katie makes a decision that goes against her beliefs , will it cause the bakery to lose customers? Henry has always been a steadfast friend and wants to express his feelings. He is not sure if Katie feels the same, but he still is the one person she can count on. I loved how the author shows the commitment Henry has for Katie and goes out of his way to try to help her.
The story is one that will remind readers how important tradition is and what happens when you try to cut corners. Henry was my favorite character because of his integrity. Family and believing in yourself is a wonderful theme throughout the story. Don’t miss the special message tucked in the story about the woman and the loaves of bread.
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
Mattie has come to help her aunt at the bakery when employees leave unexpectedly. Christmastime is especially busy at the bakery and Mattie is glad to help. She loves baking and fits right in as she helps her aunt out. Everything is going well until her uncle announces someone is coming to help him with the expansion of the bakery. Just hearing the name Peter sends Mattie into a bad mood. There is animosity between the two and now they are stuck seeing each other for the next several weeks. I did chuckle at Mattie because she is very stubborn when it comes to forgiving Peter. She says she will forgive him later, but we all know God wants us to forgive quickly.
There are a few surprises in the story which I loved. Isn’t it just like God to show up and bless you when you least expect it. Katie’s aunt and uncle have their hands full and I think they are in shock about news they receive. The story is a wonderful example of true friendship. It is easy to not like someone when your best friend tells you how they were treated badly . Katie will learn a hard lesson in friendship and trust. God wants us to love each other and to always be kind.
Peter is a nice character who has gotten a bad reputation thanks to Katie’s friend. As they say “actions speak louder than words.” Peter has his work cut out for him to get Katie to see the real him. Rumors hurt and cause people to judge others .In this story you will find a lesson on friendship, trust and forgiveness.
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin
Ambrose is a sweet character. Some may call him simple minded, but I think he is just the kind of person we all want to be. He forgives easily and always looks for the good in everyone. When he is bullied by high school boys, he turns the other cheek. I loved how the author took a character like Ambrose and showed how he could do things like everyone else. His qualities are God given and
Martha just might be interested in him.
Martha is a gifted baker and has the opportunity to design and bake a special wedding cake for Christmas. It will be profitable for the bakery and Martha will be able to use her skills to make the perfect cake for the wedding. She is bothered by the way Ambrose is treated by some and tries to help him when he is tripped on his way out of the store one day. Instantly I could feel chemistry between them. I couldn’t wait to find out how their relationship develops.
Ambrose gets a big shock when his cousin comes to the farm with news . I felt sorry for Ambrose as he feels like no one thinks he can do things like run a farm on his own. Joshua has come to be part of running the farm, but I didn’t like his attitude towards Ambrose. Joshua is someone to watch out for and with friends looking out for Ambrose, Joshua will be watched carefully.
I loved this story because it shows how important friendship is and gave Ambrose confidence he needed to be more open with Martha. Her friendship is refreshing and I liked how she never thought of Ambrose as lacking intelligence. It is a beautiful story filled with friendship, acceptance and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from the authors. The review is my own opinion.
http://notenoughtimeforbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/amish-christmas-bakery-by-amy-clipston.html
What’s not to love about Christmas, bakeries, romance, and four top notch authors in a great Amish Collection. Each story is well done and complete without seeming rushed.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston….I loved that Alyssa was creative in her window display and how she recruited Kyle to help. A great example of how we can lose sight of what’s important in the busyness of the season.
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman …… Impressive storyline and teaches us that honesty can prevent a lot of unnecessary struggles within and without. This story spins into a tangled ball of yarn and takes some finagling to straighten out. The characters are easy to identify with and you wish it didn’t have to end.
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller…This one keeps you on your toes as Mattie and Peter continue to bump heads over lies and misconceptions until forgiveness and truth prevail.
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin…This is so heartwarming and I was impressed with the character of Ambrose and his gentle ways especially when faced by bullying. I loved how Martha saw beyond his disability and reached out in friendship to help him.
I feel this entire book is a must read, as it has life lessons and makes you do a self examination of your faith and how to be more like Jesus would want us to be. This will go on my keeper shelf, as I found it excellent.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
An Amish Christmas Bakery by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin, really got me in the Christmas spirit with these four beautifully written stories!
As a fan of Amish fiction and Christmas books, I was super excited to get this book in my hands! Each story, while focused on baking and Christmas, told their own unique enjoyable Christmas story. These four stories of hope, love, and family at Christmas time, is one I can see reading again and again.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
This was probably one of my favorite anthologies I have ever read. Each of the four stories in this book were all from some of my favorite Amish fiction writers. Each story was as good as the one before it.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston was wonderful. Alyssa and Kyle must each remember what the Christmas season truly represents again.
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman is the next book and also wonderful. Katie must learn that going a bit modern isn’t always what is best.
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller is fantastic. Both Mattie and Peter learn that not all “friends” tell the truth.
Cakes and Kissed by Kelly Irvin was one that made me laugh and cry. Martha and Ambrose learn that differences don’t always matter.
These were all fantastic Amish stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
An Amish Christmas Bakery
By: Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin
What a charming Christmas collection of four Novella by four different authors. All four of these novellas were well written and well developed. This collection is about cookies, meaning of Christmas, love, christian fiction, and forgiveness. I really enjoyed this collection of wonderful novellas.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher, but as not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed these sweet stories. Each author has such a unique way of writing their stories. I would love to read more from each of these stories and authors. This is the perfect book to get you in the mood for the holiday season!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
An Amish Christmas Bakery is collection of four novellas, written by Amy Clipston, COOKIES AND CHEER. Beth Wiseman, LOAVES OF LOVE. Kathleen Fuller, MELTING HEARTS. CAKES AND KISSES by Kelly Irvin.
These four heartwarming novellas, are sure to put you into the holiday mood. Christmas is the perfect season for love, joy forgiveness and of course delicious sweet treats from the kitchen. They are stories of family, hope and each one tells an inspirational message to warm your heart.
So sit down with your favorite hot holiday drink and of course don’t forget a plate of delicious holiday treats and read these awesome stories that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit
An Amish Christmas Bakery: Four Stories is a charming novella collection with delightfully festive stories written by authors Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin. Set in four different Amish communities during the Christmas season, this book includes stories in which the ovens of Amish bakeries help to create a warm atmosphere where faith can grow, friendships can be nurtured, and romance can be kindled.
Cleverly woven together through the holiday bakery settings and the themes of service, family, friendships, and Christmas traditions, these novellas are truly engaging, meaningful, and entertaining. Each of the novellas in this collection includes an endearing set of characters who strive to serve and bless others as they also search for significance, forgiveness, healing, and hope. There is an effortless cadence from one novella to the next as the four distinctive stories all highlight the importance of family, the value of friendship, the power of faith, and the importance of perseverance.
Within the pages of each novella, I sincerely enjoyed the captivating stories these authors composed. I easily became invested in the plot of each novella while experiencing authentic emotional connections to the characters within each story. Their insecurities, inclinations, determination, and faith held my interest and encouraged me story after story.
An Amish Christmas Bakery is certainly a book with an abundance of heart, tenderness, and Christmas cheer. The novellas it contains are wholly uplifting, worthwhile, and thoughtful. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher through Netgalley. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Four of my favorite authors of Amish Fiction have written a collection of four novellas celebrating the Christmas season with delicious smells and tastes from Amish bakeries. Each story is different written with each author’s unique style and each contains the message of family, love, joy, and hope. I delighted in each story and I think it would be a perfect gift for someone including yourself!
I received a complimentary copy of this book by the Publisher and NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
The four stories in this new book are written by four different authors and even though they are all different, they are all centered around Amish bakeries and they all have the common themes of love, friendship, and the importance of family. I appreciate that there are discussion questions at the end of each novella and I liked that I could choose to read one story at a time, as my schedule allowed. I will admit, however, that I found myself wanting to keep reading because all of them are so good!
An Amish Christmas Bakery is a wonderful collection of inspirational Christmas stories and it will put you in the holiday spirit long before the days actually come. These four novellas stress the need for hope and joy and they all share the true reason for celebrating the season known as Christmas!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but I wasn’t required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.
What a sweet group of stories! From cookies to Christmas cheer to finding love and more, each story is full of friendship, love and Christmas joy. I enjoyed reading these stories. Each author has a unique way of writing and sharing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
How fun I had visiting four different bakeries while I learned how some of the the Amish managed to run them. (A favorite place of mine!) These four novellas are written by four well known authors and all the stories do not disappoint.
In the process of baking cookies and cakes, I enjoyed how they all included a love interest and clean story among friendships and families surrounding the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. After dealing with their problems it was heartwarming to see how they were resolved.
This is a very enjoyable read and so perfect for the Christmas season!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
Three different stories by three different authors, each presenting different reads that feature Rachel’s Porch Bakery.
The first two novella’s take place mainly in the bakery, and embrace many of the same characters, delightful! The third visits Rachel’s but is a story of a woman who loves teaching, but whose home life is very hard.
You will be quickly page turning and looking for answers as these tales unfold, and wanting more as the last page is turned!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Great book, everyone will enjoy it!
An Amish Christmas Bakery
This anthology contains 4 Christmas bakery stories.
.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston
Alyssa this season starting right after Thanksgiving includes her working at home first, then at the bakery among redesigning the front window display for the shop.
Her window designs are unique and she gets the owner to ok her design for Christmas. She then asks Kyle the metal worker in town if he could help her make cookie cutters.
The newspaper gets wind of it and makes a story headline and puts the shop with so much business it makes Alyssa run out of time most days to get much else accomplished.
She’s about falling asleep on her feet and has not done gifts or helping at home or even spending dinner with the family. She is also been out to dinner with Kyle and with his family at their house.
Love that the cutters are such a hit and so different from normal ones. She realizes that not only can they sell the cookies with scriptures but also cutters until Kyle can no longer make them-for this season cuz he’s so busy with his own family work.
She realizes it and makes everybody happy with how she divides her time…
Wish there were recipes. great short story..
..
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
David from another district has been spending time with Katie and they go out often.
She’s taking care of the bakery while her mother recuperates from surgery. Other’s take care of the house and meals.
Henry’s sisters has a guest for dinner, Clara who he ran into at an auction. So funny!
Henry had wanted to ask Katie out but couldn’t do it, til it was too late.
David shows Katie all the modern conveniences she’s missing out on… her family doesn’t like modern conveniences…
Love ending and loaves of love and how they got wood stoves back, for the right flavor…
..
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
This story starts out with Maddie and she’s moved in with her uncle to help her aunt run the bakery.
It’s around Christmas and she keeps busy with decorating the shop and baking and crocheting.
This I find fascinating as most just knitted that I’ve read about. Peter is due to also move in to help with improvements to the bakery.
The aunt is on bed rest now and she avoids Peter and he tries to avoid her also. Her freckles all over her face really get to him.
She’s mad at him for something he did to Lizzie-a friend of Maddie’s. She will learn the real story soon…
Love hearing of the craft/yarn store.
Very warm feeling when I hear of her teaching him how to wind yarn and the lessons she gives to the aunt…
Love that she also makes scarves for others in the winter for charity.
Love when she finds out for herself just how good of a friend Lizzie is to her. Her and Peter had a truce and are now friends.
Like the ending, didn’t see it coming out this way.
..
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin
Martha notices the local boys tripping Ambrose who’s on an errand for the ex. priest who has left her commission.
She is getting married to Matt and is asking Martha to make the wedding cake. Martha has lost her father, then mother and is
taking care of all the siblings and working at the bakery. Her mother would compliment her telling her she can do whatever she sets out to do and do it well.
Love the encouragement and why so many help him to achieve his best.
..
Wish there were recipes.
An Amish Christmas Bakery will cause readers to want to bake and dig out some old favorite recipes. Each novella is centered a round a bakery and a chance of finding love. The characters are true to life with their flaws and strengths. Each author penned their novella in their own unique style.
Amy Clipston’s creativity with Cookies and Cheer was a delightful read with Alyssa Byler’s brilliant creation of a nativity from sugar cookies. Seeking assistance from Kyle Smoker, the local blacksmith, brought the perfect result for each cookie cutter needed. But the bakery was overwhelmed with so many orders for the nativity cookies caused undue stress and strain. Will Alyssa discover where she failed in putting God and family first before Christmas Day?
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman showed Katie Swartzentruber struggling with all the holiday baking. David offered Katie a propane stove so she could keep up, but Katie discovered flaws with the end results. Henry was a life saver in many ways to Katie even though their past relationship had been rocky. Could Christmas be any more perfect when there’s an unexpected meeting at the bakery?
Kathleen Fuller brought Mattie Shetler and Peter Kaufman to Birch Creek in her tale of Melting Hearts. Even though Mattie had been there to help her aunt in the bakery, she was more than a little surprised when her uncle asked Peter to come to assist him with an addition. Will they be able to find forgiveness and discover a new admiration for one another by Christmas?
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin was a pleasure to read as Mattie Ropp and Ambrose Hershberger worked together in the bakery. Ambrose lacked some basic abilities but his heart was huge and his memory was remarkable. Mattie desire to teach Ambrose to read with Ambrose even helping with baking duties grew their relationship to more than employee/employer. Who’s going to be the one to speak first on their feelings with their lives so different?
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. I was under no obligation to write a positive review but have shared my own opinion.