Four brand new Amish stories of coming home. No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston Estranged daughter Eva Dienner has been staying with her in-laws since her husband was killed in a fire, but now she wants her son to meet his maternal grandparents. Upon her return, Eva finds that the man her parents always intended for her is living in their daadihaus and running the dairy farm for them for free, … them for free, despite her suspicions of him taking advantage of her family. Eva knows she should put the past behind her, but is she ready to move into the future?
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman
Hurricane Harvey forces Sarah Zook to return to the home she fled six years ago when she couldn’t face her stern parents’ reaction to her unplanned pregnancy. Upon her return, Abram King can think of nothing but the pain she caused him–until he meets Sarah’s daughter and realizes that he never really stopped loving Sarah. Sarah and Abram must find a way to face the truth of their past so they can rekindle their first love.
The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray
After the death of her Englisch husband, Irene Keim seeks a fresh start by staying with her new friends Mary Ruth and Henry Wengerd in exchange for helping them around the house. But when Mary Ruth and Henry’s son Marcus comes around, he isn’t pleased with the woman they’ve taken in and is determined to push her out. Misunderstandings abound, but both Irene and Marcus learn that people aren’t always what they seem.
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller
Independent and headstrong, Carolyn is determined to forge ahead with the opening of her bakery, a lifelong dream, in the Birch Creek home she left ten years ago. But she’s in over her head and needs help with the cleaning, shopping, and deliveries. Carpenter Atlee Shetler is visiting Birch Creek to escape the memories of his late wife. He takes a job renovating the new bakery and finds the project–and its owner–to be much more than he bargained for. Both Carolyn and Atlee must face pains of the past if they want to have the bright future God has planned for them.
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An Amish Homecoming contains four Amish stories by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Shelley Shepard Gray. No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston features Eva Dienner who is a widow with a four year old son. She has been living with her in-laws since her husband, Simeon died fighting a fire with his volunteer unit. Eva is now taking her son to see her parents who she has been estranged from since before her marriage. She finds her old friend, Ian Miller living in families daadi haus and helping run her father’s dairy farm. If not for her mother’s interference, Eva could have had a future with Ian. Eva’s son, Junior falls in love with the farm, his grandparents and Ian. Is there a hope Eva can reconcile with her parents? What does the future hold for Eva and Ian?
When Love Returns is written by Beth Wiseman and takes readers to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Sarah Zook and her daughter, Miriam are returning to her parents’ farm after Hurricane Harvey came through. Her apartment is flooded and she needs a place to stay while she earns money. Sarah ran away when she found out she was pregnant and has not heard from her parents since then. Abram is angry that he missed out on the first years of his daughter’s life. His anger disappears after seeing Sarah once again and then meets little Miriam. Abram has never stopped loving Sarah, and Sarah realizes she still loves Abram. But there is something she has yet to tell Abram that could changes his feelings for her.
Shelley Shepard Gray brings us The Courage to Love set in Hart County. Irene Keim has moved into the home of Mary Ruth and Henry Wengerd whom she met on her month long bus trip. Irene has finally found a place that feels like home with people she cares about deeply. Then the Wengerd’s son, Marcus returns home and is not happy to see Irene living with them. He read about the incident in The Budget and does not feel Irene is suitable. Irene does not wish to cause a rift in the Wengerd family and moves into an apartment above the Printed Page. Marcus did not realize how much his parents relied on Irene’s help nor did he take the time to get to know Irene. Mary Ruth and Henry are disappointed in Marcus. Marcus sets out to make amends to Irene and soon learns not to judge a person until you get to know them.
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller takes us to Birch Creek. Carolyn Yoder has returned to Birch Creek at the urging of her brother, Freemont. She is determined to open a bakery on her own and will not let her family or the community help her. Carolyn soon finds herself out of her depth, but she is unwilling to admit it. Atlee Shetler has been a widower for twelve years and his life has grown stagnant. He is visiting his friend, Thomas Bontrager in Birch Creek when he runs into Carolyn. Atlee can see that Carolyn needs help and finds a way to provide it without injuring her stubborn pride. Atlee enjoys spending time with Carolyn but he is not sure he is ready to love someone new. Carolyn has her own demons haunting her and she will have to confront them to make a new life in Birch Creek.
I found these four novellas to be well-written and pleasing to read. The main characters each have something to overcome in their past if they are to have a happy future (we can all relate). We get to see them conquer adversity thanks to prayer, faith, hope, love, redemption and trusting God. Other Christian themes in the novellas are forgiveness of others as well as ourselves (that is the hardest one) and we can never know God’s plans for us. I enjoyed reading these heartwarming stories. The four tales are quick to read and will lift up your spirits. Each story can be read in one sitting. The four novellas are set in different Amish towns, so the stories are not interconnected. Each story relates to a series written by the author, but they can be read on their own. Fans of these Amish authors will appreciate the four inspiring and endearing novellas in An Amish Homecoming.
What a wonderful, inspiring collection! Each story has its own charm and uniqueness and yet they have the common thread of coming home again in one way or another. The first story features characters from Amy Clipson’s Amish Homecoming series, which is an added treat since you get to read what happens to Eva Dienner, a woman that ran away from home to marry her love only to be widowed a few years into their marriage. Eva and her small son haven’t been back to her hometown since she ran away, but when her son begins to ask questions, wanting to meet her family, Eva knows that it’s time to finally face the music.
Each novella are truly heartwarming, tugging at your heartstrings, and not letting go. They each ring with second chances, forgiveness, and new beginnings, making each tale not only a joy to read but utterly inspiring as well. A great reminder that it’s never too late to come home.
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Zondervan through NetGalley. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
4 good stories.
Very good book and written very well. Easy to follow.
Hard to put down..
I love the authors and enjoyed coming in contact with the characters in their previous books. I’m just not a fan of short stories. I prefer books to ladt longer and get more character involved. The good thing is that it was a revisit to many well loved characters.
I received a copy of this book from the Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. This was another wonderful collection of authors stories brought together under one collection. Each story brings both families & communities together but brings people back home. For each story either someone has either left their families for one reason or another or have left a love one behind and realize that they need that person or family back in their lives. It make you think about the thought of every family out that would love to have a argument fixed or a loved one brought back into the family fold. I look forward to more stories.
An Amish Homecoming
A wonderful collection of 4 heartwarming stories by some of my favorite Amish authors! Set in 4 different Amish communities, these stories all centered around struggles, hurt, forgiveness, and going home. This is a book you don’t want to miss! I truly enjoyed them all!
I was provided a copy of this book my the author and Netgalley, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest option of this book.
No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston
I really liked the story and thought Eva was a wonderful character. She has been estranged from her family for several years. It was sad to read that Eva and her parents couldn’t work things out. Eva has a lot to think about after a tragedy strikes someone very special to her. Will she go home and try to mend her relationship with her parents?
The struggle that Eva had trying to forgive her parents also seemed to deal with pride on Eva’s part. It is hard to admit when you are wrong and pride sure can stand in the way of saying, “I’m sorry.” Ian is a breath of fresh air and I instantly admired how he has helped Eva’s parents on their farm all these years. There is friction between Ian and Eva when she returns home for a visit. Can Ian change her mind and stay? It is a great story of forgiveness and letting go of the past.
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman
This story is very special to me because I lost almost everything in Hurricane Harvey. It was easy to sympathize with Sarah as she makes the hard decision to return to her parents home. After losing everything in the flood Sarah and her daughter have no place else to go. It will be very difficult to start over for Sarah. She left home six years ago and hasn’t spoken to them in all that time. I can’t imagine the feeling she must have had as she approached her parents home. Will they welcome her and her daughter? The tension between Sarah and her mother is going to take a lot of work. Can they each find it in their hearts to forgive each other?
Sarah has a bigger problem when Abram shows up to speak with her. He has not seen his daughter and you can feel his anger as he begins to talk to Sarah. Miriam is a welcome treat to the story. She is full of life and so care free. How will Sarah explain who Abram is? I found this story to be well written and shared how bitterness can ruin relationships. One of my favorites quotes from the story is, ” You can carry the burdens of your past or choose to move forward without the added baggage.” Sarah chose to run away from her problems in shame and now finds facing her past is difficult.
The story is very intense at times especially between Sarah and her mother. I loved the twist in the story and it had me on pins and needles. Sarah has a lot to overcome and her past will play a big role in deciding if she stays or goes back to Houston. It will be a lesson for all when the truth comes out about Sarah’s past. Sarah and her mother have had a strained relationship and readers will see how much pain it has caused both of them. I wanted to hug Sarah and tell her not to feel ashamed of something she had no control over. As a teenager, when you mess up you can feel like the world is against you. Sarah must learn that her parents and friends will always be there for her. Will Abram and Sarah find a way to mend their relationship? The story will bring tears to your eyes and give you hope as the characters work through pain, rejection and bitterness.
The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray
Irene has had a difficult life and people she thought were her friends have turned their back on her. It was a welcome invitation when Mary and Henry invite her to live with them. She has become a big help to them and Irene finally feels like she belongs . All that changes when Mary and Henry’s son shows up. Marcus is very suspicious of Irene and drives her away from the comfort of his parents house. Why does he not trust Irene? I felt sorry for Irene and how lonely she felt.
Reading about Irene’s past growing up broke my heart. It is hard as a child to know that your parents don’t really care about you. It is no wonder Irene doesn’t trust people. A feeling of abandonment has followed her through her life. Can Marcus make amends to Irene and become friends? The emotional pain Irene suffered as a child has caused her to keep people at arms length. It is hard for her to let people in but Marcus is trying to show her kindness and friendship. I loved the part in the story when Marcus comes to Irene’s defense when she is accused of something. I could feel that Irene was grateful that people knew she was innocent of what someone was accusing her of. Irene has wanted to be loved by someone all her life. Will she finally find it with Marcus?
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller
Carolyn has her hands full when she decides to open her own bakery. The place she chooses as a bakery is not in the best shape. Her family wants to help her , but she is determined to do everything herself. I laughed out loud when she runs into Atlee as she is leaving the bakery for the evening. As they collide she falls into a bag of flour. I can just imagine how she looked with flour in her hair. What a way to meet someone for the first time I say. If you want to make a lasting impression, I think Carolyn probably accomplished that.
Sometimes coming home is not easy as Carolyn is finding out. It is difficult for her to get over her past and the hurt she felt when she left years ago. Her bakery is in need of a lot of work and I loved how Atlee was able to convince her to let him help. Atlee is a wonderful man but is lonely since the passing of his wife. I loved how Atlee and Carolyn slowly became friends.
The author does a great job of bringing two lonely people together and let them learn to trust again. I’m not sure if Atlee is ready for a baking lesson from Carolyn but it sure makes for some laughs. They remind me of teenagers just starting to date. They don’t want to embarrass themselves but sometimes the best plan doesn’t always turn out the way we want. When something horrible happens, Carolyn is devastated. She starts questioning if she should have come back to the town she didn’t feel a part of. I loved how humble she became as she poured her heart out to God. It’s a wonderful story of starting over and finding your way home.
I received a copy of this book from the authors. The review is my own opinion.
Loved all the stories. mjc
If you enjoy amish book this a great stories all four of them
I’ve read novels by all the authors in this anthology, and for the most part I’ve enjoyed each of their works, but this anthology really wasn’t that interesting to me. Amy Clipston’s story tied into the Amish Homestead series, and while I’ve enjoyed that series, I really didn’t enjoy this story as much. Eva came across as too judgemental to me. I did like the romance between her and Ian, and loved how Ian took to Simeon! The story by Beth Wiseman also was a prickly one for me, as I didn’t care for Sarah’s father’s edicts and thought them too high handed, even for an Amish community. However, I did find it to be a realistic story and enjoyed it upon that level. In the story by Shelly Shepard Gray, I felt a little bit lost, but having done some research and finding that this is part of a larger series, has me interested to check out that series to fill in the blanks. Taking it on its own, the story was very moving and engrossing! Kathleen Fuller’s story was by far my favorite of the bunch! I loved that it was a romance between older people! My only complaint was that Carolyn was a little too stubborn and proud to accept help, but I liked how she wound up working it out in the end. This is definitely worth reading!
Four wonderful stories on forgiveness and love.
No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston
Can Eva forgive her parents for their actions and feelings years ago for the benefit of her four year old son?
A perfect story on forgiveness: forgiving yourself and others that have wronged you.
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman
Sarah and her daughter must return to home she fled six years ago and face those she left behind. Upon her returned, Abram has realized he never stopped loving her. Will Hurricane Harvey mend the destruction of Sarah and Abram’s lives?
This story had me in tears from almost the beginning to the end. The raw emotions and heartache of the characters came through beautifully.
The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray
Can Irene overcome her past and let people into her heart?
A story to remind us to get to know others before judging them.
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller
Upon retuning to Birch Creek after being away 18 years, Carolyn is determined to realize her dream of opening an Amish Bakery. Will Carolyn relinquish control and let Atlee and others help her with her dream?
I found this story as a great reminder to forgive others who have hurt me in the past and to also let others help me when I need it. You are not showing weakness in needing help, you are letting others follow Jesus’ example.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed are in the above review are entirely my own.
I loved this collection of novellas, written by some of my favorite authors. Relaxing to read, there still were life events that each had to work through.
Each story contains the theme of returning home. Forgiveness and trust are a central theme in the set of stories. Very heartwarming with well-developed characters, if you enjoy Amish fiction you’ll love An Amish Homecoming
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I really enjoyed all four stores in this book.It was by 4 different authors about each characters homecoming and how they dealt with it.It was interesting how each delt with it and worked it out and did what was best for them even though it was hard to do.
An Amish Homecoming was a nice collection of Amish novellas. The stories are each additions to various series by the four authors of these novellas, yet the storylines can all be followed easily as stand alones if you have not read any books from those series.
No Place Like Home by Amy Clipton – I really enjoyed this novella and seeing the family that Eva grew up in. I knew Eva from other books, yet this was a peek into her past. It was interesting to see what a headstrong young woman she had been and the tension that brought to the relationship with her mother. I really liked the character, Ian, in this story.
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman – This was a fascinating story that I enjoyed watching unfold page by page. I liked seeing how much both Sarah Zook and her mother had changed in the years that they had been apart. I thought that the characters learned a lot about unconditional love in this novella.
The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray – This novella takes a close look at making quick judgments about people. I appreciated the way Marcus learned to look past the gossip that he had heard about Irene and into the real person that she was.
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller – I had trouble connecting with these characters, even though it was a sweet story. Carolyn frustrated me with her inability to let others lend a helping hand and Atlee frustrated me with his guilt over living life after his first wife died. I did appreciate that these characters eventually began to change and grow by the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
An Amish Homecoming is a collection of 4 novellas by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Shelley Shepard Gray.
The novellas have a common thread of going home. There is love, misunderstandings, forgiveness, and tackle some of the problems of today that both the English and Amish deal with. All four have wonderful characters and settings that take you to Amish country. It is an easy read for an afternoon escape.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
One of the best Amish novella collections I have read from four stellar authors in the Amish Genre. Each story is alike in that they all have someone returning home after a long absence and trying to find their way. Each author brings their own unique style to the collection. Beth Wiseman dedicates her story “When Love Returns” to the people impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Sarah has returned home with her daughter and carries a deep secret that has impacted her life and decisions. The characters are easy to identify with and your heart will hurt along with the painful disclosures. I loved how the barriers are broken down between mother and daughter who are both strong women. Amy Clipston pens “No Place Like Home” and has you pulled into Eva’s life after the loss of her husband. Making wrong assumptions about Ian and his motivations in helping her parents leads to an interesting story. I was so happy to read The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray as I wanted to find out what became of Irene Keim. Ms. Gray never disappoints with her characters. “What Love Built” by Kathleen Fuller had me in tears for Carolyn and how past words can define who we are. These are all wonderful stories that are very real and address past hurts, putting up walls as defense mechanisms, breaking those barriers down with love and forgiveness, and faith always being the center of restoration. This is a very enjoyable read that you won’t want to put down.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
AN AMISH HOMECOMING
Four women who have lost their husbands. In one she wants her son to meet his maternal grandparents. The situation wasn’t what she thought when she returned. In another stern parents , made a daughter whose was pregnant six year ago, is returning. Could an old love, still be there for her, when he sees her again. Forgiveness of past hurts. The third was losing an English husband, mistaken of why she was there, helping out, caused problems of thinking the worst of her. The last one dreams can turn out to be bigger and more time consuming then she thought. She wanted to make a success of her new venture, if she could find help. All four women were determinded to forge ahead and make a life for themselves, and with new beginnings. A rich plot of how these four did it and succeeded. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Zondervan.Ellen Oceanside
An Amish Homecoming
By; Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kathleen Fuller
An Amish Homecoming is a collection of Amish Novellas by four different authors. Each has written about love, loss, and second chances. I loved each novella . The authors did a fantastic job on the stories and the characters. Each novella can be read as a stand a lone without any problems. In each story someone has left their home for different reasons and it is hard for them to return home not knowing if they will be welcome or not. while reading these novellas I had tears in my eyes several times. The authors did not disappoint.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and the Publisher Zondervan, but was not told that Had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston
The question that bears asking is: is it instalove if they have known each other for years? I mean they were separated for the last six but still. . .is it instalove or rekindled love? Instalove annoys the carrots out of me but rekindled love. . .that I can get behind. I read the first book in the Amish Homestead series but then had to set it aside as I dealt with my own grief of losing someone as close as a sister to a house fire. Truth be told, I’m still collecting the books but I’m just not ready to read them yet. This vignette into Eva’s life and the rest of the Dienner clan was refreshing without the heaviness I imagine when I think of her widowhood. Home with her family after six long years, home to regrets and heartache and whoa wait doesn’t Ian look mighty fine. My oh shiny take on her homecoming. There’s a lot of hurt feelings to work through, a lot of regrets and anger and also guilt. Guilt at the possibility of finding a new life, a new love, even four years after losing her husband. Mamm, Daed, even Ian have their own set or regrets. There was a LOT to wade through in all their lives and Amy Clipston did so in this small novella that flowed perfectly, didn’t feel rushed, and was exactly perfect just as it was. I gotta say though I didn’t see that spunk in Eva coming!
When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman
Beth Wiseman has yet to disappoint me. From novel to novella she knows how to weave a story that draws you into its complexity, and it’s grit. She doesn’t shy away from the hard topics and I adore that about her. However, she fell into the trap that turned me off of novellas for many years and still makes me hesitant to pick up one to this day. Trying to do too much. A good novella is a snapshot in time. Just that. In this book, which I still loved mind you, Wiseman tried to tell the whole story. It was super well told but. . . Honestly, I could totally do without the epilogue. I don’t need ‘the rest of the story’ so to speak but would have loved to see those pages used to deepen the snapshot. Less rush, more emotion, more depth. Just my two pennies.
The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray
I’m currently right in the middle of reading Shelley Shepard Gray’s series The Amish of Hart County. So this novella fit right in. It was interesting to spend time between novels with this community, see a few familiar names, and hope I didn’t spoiler myself for the next couple of books I’m about to start reading. On a different note of the same page however is the realization that so many Amish families in this community are dysfunctional and abusive in one way or another. Not something that you expect from a faith that we tend to idolize or at least romanticize. Irene is from another such family, and I’ve already met two others. And oh the judgey mcjudgersons in this community! Gray doesn’t shy away from hard topics and she wins again with this novella. A snapshot in time that told all the story it needed to without losing something in the lack of pages. I am left with the massive burning question however in how Marcus changed his tune so very quickly? I mean the lecture from Mom and Dad aside and his decision to pray but I need meat on this one thing!
What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller
I was so happy to go back to Birch Creek, and see Cevilla, again. I’ve grown to love this little community. And *hint hint* Cevilla needs her own book, just saying. Carolyn is a corker that’s for sure. She’s the epitome of every person I’ve ever met that’s been met with criticism at every turn and missed out on opportunities to be encouraged and even praised. Sometimes one bad deed or misplaced word can trigger a lifetime of resentment and rebellion. Carolyn embodies this so completely. It’s not that she didn’t come from a loving family, she did. One bad bishop, with his own agenda, took what could have been a full life full of contentment and grace and turned it into bitterness and self-doubt. How many bishops have we all met that left a dark spot on our story? How many times have we found ourselves in Carolyn, desperate to prove the naysayers wrong, even when they aren’t in our lives any longer? How often have we prayed for an Atlee? Not necessarily someone to love but someone to help us smooth over the rough edges. And how often have we tried to push our Atlees away? Even when they were everything we needed and wanted. God bless the Atlees in our lives, without them it would be easy to become bitter and angry. Without them we would constantly find ourselves at odds even with ourselves in addition to those around us and even God. I loved this story for the depth that I got from these people. I wish it was more, I felt like there was a whole backstory there I didn’t get a solid grasp on. But I left it thankful for the Atlees in my life.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.