Will marriage save her family? Christmas with the North Country Amish Bethany Martin has until Christmas to prove to the Amish community that she can raise her siblings–including her mischievous brother–without a husband. Then handsome newcomer Michael Shetler arrives, winning over Bethany’s siblings. He might be the answer to their prayers, but Michael has a troubled past. Can Bethany love a … Can Bethany love a man with secrets…even if it’s the only thing keeping her family together?
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I enjoyed reading An Amish Bride for Christmas . The story centered on a young Amish single lady who was left in the position of raising her 14 year old brother and young sister . Trying to keep the family together Bethany Martin had a lot on her plate. Her brother Ivan was constantly in trouble to the point where the bishop made arrangements for him to go live with his Uncle Harvey. Even though he caused a lot of trouble in the community he was a big help for
his sister, by doing the chores . With out him Bethany might well lose the farm and her late grandfather’s business.
The author introduces readers to a young Amish man who suddenly appears asking directions to her grandfather’s house. Unbeknownst to Bethany the man had excepted a job working with her late grandfather and he didn’t realize her grandfather had passed. Michael Shetler had made the trip from Holmes County Ohio in good faith that he would have a job and lodging when he arrived. He wasn’t with out his own challenges and one was that he suffered from PTSD and the other being that he had spent all his money just to get to New Covenant in Maine. What would he do now that his job was no longer available?
I liked that the author centered the story around PTSD and how it effects it’s victims with sudden flash backs of a traumatic experience in their lives. What can be done to help the victims with this disorder. Also I loved the importance placed on family and friends. Bethany worked hard to keep the family together because she loved her brother and sister. She kept a cool head even through Ivan seemed to try her at every turn. She had plenty of friends that stood behind her with more love and support.
I would highly recommend this book to all readers of Amish Fiction. All readers of Love Inspired books would also enjoy this story . If you are a fan of Patricia David’s you won’t want to miss out on this festive Christmas story. Very well written.
This story takes place in a very small Amish community tucked way up at the top of Maine, and consists of just a few families. Bethany Martin’s Grandfather was the one responsible for making the move to this remote area, and now he has passed. This girl has a lot of responsibilities for a young woman, she is the sole caregiver for her teenage brother and six-year-old sister. Enter a new comer who it seems has an arrangement with Bethany’s grandfather to work and live on the property. An answer to a prayer, well, she has a real challenge in her life, her young brother. Will this new comer be able to help her and be the answer to her prayers, or will his demons keep him prisoner? We find some really sweet moments, and see some very sad problems, but are there answers here, and in time for Christmas? I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
I enjoyed this book. The struggles, oh so many struggles. How do you keep your faith when everything seems to be against you? Bethany’s strength shines through. I loved that PTSD was a major factor. It is a hard subject that more people should know about. Very well done!