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.
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An Amish Christmas Bakery is a collection of four charming novellas that is sure to put the reader in the mood for Christmas, and for the yummy treats that are associated with the holidays. Written by some of my favorite authors and a new-to-me author, I enjoyed each of these stories about young women and their work in Amish bakeries during the Christmas season. Despite similar settings, each story has a different focus. In Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston, readers find Alyssa overwhelmed with the business of the bakery with all the Christmas orders. Will she remember the true meaning of the season and the importance of time with family and maybe find love as well? Beth Wiseman tells the charming story of Henry who loves Katie but then there is Clara who is beautiful and fun to be with. Katie loves Henry but then there is David who is so handsome and so very helpful. Will they end up missing out on true love because of these other relationships? In Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller, readers are introduced to Peter and Mattie, not quite enemies but definitely not friends. Could they call a truce–maybe give friendship a try? The last story, Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin, is a delightful romance between Ambrose and Martha, two people who are surprised by love. Each story has its own interesting twist as the authors each touch on different aspects and issues of life. Second chance marriages, unexpected babies, developmental disabilities, bullying, and old girlfriends all keep the pages turning. This collection of stories is truly heartwarming, and readers who love Amish romance will not want to miss it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
An Amish Christmas Bakery by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kelly Irvin and Kathleen Fuller contains four Amish Christmas stories filed with joy, hope, faith, and love. I thought they were all well-written with steady pacing and relatable characters. I enjoyed reading each of the four tales. While the stories are cohesive (bakery theme), each novella has the authors distinctive writing voice. Cookies and Cheer was such a sweet story with the sugar cookie nativity scene (sounds lovely). I liked the characters and the moral of the story (the true meaning of Christmas). It has Amy Clipston’s engaging writing which made Cookies and Cheer a pleasure to read. Each novella has a life lesson, Christmas cheer and romance. In Melting Hearts, we see the importance of forgiveness. I could relate to Martha Ropp in Cakes and Kisses with her severe migraines (poor thing). My favorite phrases came from Cakes and Kisses. It is “We are all the same in God’s eyes.” Wouldn’t the world be a different place if everyone viewed individual’s in this manner! Each of these stories will have you smiling and sometimes laughing. An Amish Christmas Bakery contains four heartwarming novellas with mouthwatering baked goods, the true meaning of Christmas, good friends, and tender romance.
This was a great read, 4 of the best Amish story tellers give you 4 stories that will make you feel Christmas in your heart and soul. I recommend this book to any one who loves good writing!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is the sweetest Christmas book. I love all four of the stories. And I also love all four of these authors, so I knew I was in for a treat with this book. Each of the four stories are about food, as you would expect. And four Amish Bakeries are featured here. I can’t choose a favorite because they are all amazing. And not only do you find delicious baked goods in all four stories you find romance as well.
Each story has its own unique character, crafted carefully by each author. And they all found their way into my heart. Each character developed so well throughout the story, I found myself wanting to read more after each story ended. Each author did an amazing job of writing their story, weaving everything together to come to a wonderful ending.
An Amish Christmas Bakery is one of my favorite Christmas books. If you are looking fkr something nice, clean and comfortable, this is just the book for you. I highly recommend these sweet stories.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
An Amish Christmas Bakery is a set of Novellas that have the common theme of Amish Bakeries. It contains the following stories:
Cookies and Cheer By Amy Clipston
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin
In Cookies and Cheer Alyssa is such a hard working and talented baker, but allows herself to become overwhelmed. I understood her dedication to completing a task that she has committed to. I also felt sorry for her working so hard. Clipston did a great job of writing a book filled with Christmas cheer and Scripture.
Loaves of Love was a great story with Katie who has been left to run her family bakery alone during the busiest season. I felt so bad for her trying to get everything done. It was a fun story as it showed the differences in Amish orders.
Melting Hearts is a story of how bullying and deception can color your perception of yourself and others. Mattie was such a great character, I would love to read more of her story.
Cakes and Kisses is the story of a man who has given up on a love of his own due to being different. This story was harder for me to read, I hated to see him hurt, but all over I enjoyed the story and how it shows how he has the same hopes and dreams.
Each of the stories were unique and entertaining, I would enjoy reading more of each story and more from each author. These were a great Christmas treat!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on An Amish Christmas Bakery:
I love a good Amish romance and these definitely fit the bill. These four short stories are fast reads that will fill you with warmth. They go best with a hot cup of chocolate or coffee read next to an open fire while it snows outside.
Okay, so that might be how they read best, but I read them while nursing a semi asleep baby in a hard wooden rocking chair looking out into a bleak, windy, and cold, snowless world while my older children watched a Home Alone movie that they earned by bringing in firewood. But my house was toasty warm thanks to a woodstove!
I loved these books and read through all four of them in two hours time. Helps when the baby only semi wakes up to switch sides and you can just keep reading!
I would say my favorite novella was Loaves of Love. The 12 loaves baked to for Christmas was so symbolic and has me wanting to go bake a dozen loaves of my own to gift this time of year. All the prayers and love that go into that kind of work really do work. I also really just loved the storyline and couldn’t help by laugh about that silly propane oven!
While all four are wonderful to read Loaves of Love was definitely the one that read the fastest for me as well. That said, I loved all four of the novellas and can’t wait for the next compilation to come out.
But now you’ll have to excuse me because reading this book yesterday made me have this immense need to bake all the things today. I’m craving sugar cookies shaped like cows now!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I was familiar with 2 of these authors and I love the concept of 4 short Amish holiday stories so I was looking forward to reading this book.
Not only were they short, sweet and easy to read-they all involved bakeries which made the element of the holidays with baking even more fun to read. All four stories were different but all involved love, family and finding understanding.
Clean romances, great characters-read one or read all four; they will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
My thoughts:
First don’t you just love that cover? It makes me think of all the wonderful smells associated with the Christmas season.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston
This was a really cute story based around nativity cookies. Kind of a girl next door vibe to it, even though it is Amish. I enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted with each other. The story flowed well, and the secondary characters helped make this story. I think that the theme was great in this one, slowing down and taking time for family and friends because they are what truly matters.
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
In this book, we get to see a young woman overwhelmed by the Christmas rush. We see her step out of her comfort zone and try new things, making new friends along the way. The main characters were fun and relatable (I mean who here has never burned something in a new oven?). I liked how they dealt with the situations they were faced with. I think that this story felt a little rushed, however, it is a short story so that’s to be somewhat expected.
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
Kathleen Fuller wrote a true enemy to friends’ story. She did a great job not overdramatizing the events and feelings of the characters. By the end of the book, you genuinely feel like you understand both character’s perspectives. It was a very well written story, all centered around a bakery at Christmas. I also liked how Kathleen got her point across about not always taking something at face value but looking underneath to what is real.
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin
This was my favorite story in this collection. It was a very sweet story, about a woman who just lost her parents and she finds love right in front of her. The characters in this story seemed very realistic, and they dealt with different issues in a no-nonsense way that I really liked. I believe that this is the first story I think I’ve ever read that deals with someone with special needs finding love. I absolutely enjoyed this unique idea and hope to read more like it in the future.
Overall this set of stories was fun, it made me laugh and smile. It really helped me get in the Christmas mood. Especially thinking about all the different baking this book talked about. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for all the stories revolving around bakeries, the creative characters, and the warm feeling I got when I read them all. I thought that this was a great Christmas read.
*I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.
An Amish Christmas Bakery
I loved all the stories in this book set.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston
Alyssa learns a lesson of working too much can have a influence on friends and family. She works at a bakery that gets very busy during Christmas time. Alyssa just wanted to help out her friend that owns the bakery. What happens when she works so much?
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
Another lesson learned in this book. Katie is offered a propane stove to cook with at her bakery. She finds out it just is not the same as the wood stove. Then there is Henry who wants to ask her out but she is dating David. I love Henry, he is so patient and caring while waiting for Katie to make up her mind.
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
Mattie comes to help Carolyn at her shop. Peter is in town and Mattie thinks she knows his reputation. He used to date her friend. But things are not always as they seem.
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin
This is such a sweet story. I loved Ambrose and how he cared for others. His relationship with the animals, so special.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Another great book in this series. Puts you back in the simple life when then moved slower but still had obstacles. Really enjoyed.
Entertaining read. I recommend.
I read this book, stories over the Christmas holiday, enjoyed them all.
is a great Christmas read! There are four short stories about romance and life during the Christmas season among Amish people. Each story is by a different author, all good in their own ways. I would definitely not claim to be an expert on the Amish life, but from all I know and have read, the stories are true to life. My personal favorite was “Cakes and Kisses” by Kelly Ervin, about Ambrose, who is a very kind, hardworking, sweet-spirited man with “Special Needs,” and his friendship with Martha. Martha is a gifted bakery employee who is struggling with grief over losing her mother and also is dealing with a hectic holiday season. When she sees some young men bullying Ambrose, she steps in to help; however, she is criticized for washing his hair, which is considered improper by some since she is a female giving personal assistance to a male to whom she is not married. Both Ambrose and Martha have pretty much given up on love, due to their own circumstances. Will this bond their friendship – and might they even become even more than friends? I LOVED this story, because it shows that God doesn’t set the same strict and narrow criteria as we human sosmetimes do, for friendships or romance. I loved how it emphasizes the strengths of individuals who may have been written off by some people. After finding out that the author had a personal reason for writing this paritcular story, it made the tale even more poignant. I won’t give that reason away, nor any more of the story. If you like heartwarming Christmast stories that are honest about faith, you will enjoy this book. I would love to see more story collections like this, and I will definitely be looking for more writing by Kelly Ervin! Wish I could give MORE than five stars!
Four of the top Amish fiction authors team up in one Christmas novella collection.
Amy Clipston introduces baker Alyssa Byler, whose creativity has endeared her to her boss at the bakery in Cookies & Cheer. Her vision to create a cookie nativity for the front window puts her together with metal-worker Kyle Smoker, who she asks to make cookie cutters that she has designed for the project. As they work together, they realize how much they enjoy their time together. Can their relationship survive Alyssa’s hectic holiday?
Beth Wiseman’s “Loaves of Love” gives Katie Swartzentruber the chance to run her family’s baker while her mother is out on sick leave. Will the changes she makes really be beneficial, or will she find that the old ways are best. Will Henry Hershberger, Katie’s childhood friend, finally decide to fess up to his beyond-friendship feelings?
Each story brings a different couple – all Amish, and all working to make Christmas a more beautiful time of the year. I think my favorite story in the book was Kelly Irvin’s, “Cakes and Kisses.” The shy, gentle Ambrose and the bustling baker, Martha are a perfect fit, even if it takes them a while to see it. I loved this story!
Readers of Amish fiction or Amish romance, will enjoy the short, quick stories in an Amish Christmas Bakery. Each was a gem, and well worth the read!
Great book
An Amish Christmas Bakery is a delightful collection of Christmas-themed novellas by four talented authors – Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin. The locations are different, but all have a small-town bakery setting. As I would have expected, they are all well written, engaging, filled with hope, love, a timely faith message, and radiate Christmas joy.
Amy Clipston’s writing style and characters had me completely engaged in “Cookies and Cheer.” And I loved Alyssa’s creative design for the bakery’s window display – using sugar cookies in the shapes of angels, shepherds, animals, and stars to surround the nativity figurines. But the greatest impact is the relevancy of the story, as it’s all too easy during the busyness of this season to neglect preparing our hearts for the coming of our Savior.
“Loves of Love” by Beth Wiseman and “Melting Hearts” by Kathleen Fuller emphasize the importance of honesty and forgiveness.
I was so touched by the story of Martha and Ambrose in “Cakes and Kisses” by Kelly Irvin. Ambrose has a mild mental handicap and Martha has the insight to see into his heart and high performing intellect. This story resonated with me so much because of a close family member who has special needs also.
These stories are fulfilling and exactly what I needed during this busy season. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston
A wonderful Christmas novella that will remind you of the Reason for the season and put at the fore front of your mind what matters during this season, spending time with family and loved ones and remembering Christ and what He came for.
Loaves and loves by Beth Wiseman.
I love stories like this; people who have loved each other since childhood but got to profess it in adulthood.
This story would warm your heart.
Melting hearts by Kathleen Fuller.
Heart warming story of sworn enemies falling in love. I love the flow of the story and how things turned out. This story will keep your heart warm and happy.
Akes and Kisses. By Kelly Irvin
This story will bring happy tears to your eyes and sweet joy to your heart. It brings to mind the most important foundation of Christmas; unconditional love.
This collection of Amish Christmas stories will keep you glued to the late page and remind you of what is really important.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.
Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love celebrating the birth of Jesus, my Savior. Everyone seems to get into a holiday mood and becomes a bit nicer. The sights, sounds, and smells of the season are exhilarating.
Reading Christian romance books about Christmas is the best in December. Add the Amish genre, Christmas baking, sprinkle on some inspiration and you have a captivating winter book. That is what I found in An Amish Christmas Bakery.
Four Amish novella, each standing on its own and unrelated, are penned by well-known Amish authors. The stories are sweet, engaging, and entertaining. All were page turners and easy in which to become invested. Characters were simple Amish folk with distinct characteristics. Each one had good points as well as flaws which made them relatable and believable.
Each tale was well written. The authors all have smooth writing styles that are easy to read. Descriptive prose took me to Amish Country where I could almost smell the sweet treats my imagination envisioned. This book made me want to take a trip to see the shops myself. I really enjoyed it.
I highly recommend this book. It is a nice way to sample each authors work. This would be a nice gift for that reader in your circle. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Pour a cup of your choice hot beverage, sit by the fire, and grab this collection of four novella. Everything will be cozy and right for a while in your world. It was in mine!
A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
I enjoyed all four of these sweet Christmas novellas! Each one kept my interest and all four novellas had good storylines that were enjoyable to read during this holiday season.
These four stories are not connected to each other. Some of the novellas are set in locations where other books by those authors are set, however, it is not necessary to have read any of the other stories to enjoys these novellas. They all stand on their own nicely.
For fans of Amish fiction, who are looking for enjoyable and unique Christmas stories, I definitely recommend this collection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I totally agree… these four delicious novellas are perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the holiday season. You can almost smell the aroma of fresh baked bread and sweets as the stories take place in the bakery. I enjoyed the helpfulness and caring attitudes of the main characters and their Amish families. The true meaning of Christmas definitely came through in these delightful novellas.