Driving into a Lancaster County ditch during a near-blizzard is not where Maria Romano envisioned she’d end up on the day before Christmas Eve. But somehow she finds it fitting–after all, her life has been stuck and lonely for years, and the recent discovery that she was adopted makes her yearn for connection. So when a genealogy search leads her to a shop in Amish country, she can’t help but … visit in person, regardless of the weather. Despite a rough introduction, Maria is surprised by the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas. But will the family’s kindness be enough to help her find her place and the truth about her past? An Unexpected Christmas Gift is an endearing novella from Amish fiction author Kate Lloyd.
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Maria Romano’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that she was adopted by an English couple shortly after her birth. Now she understands why she has always felt that her father favored her sister more, but if she isn’t his daughter, then who is she? Her search sends her to an Amish community and, perhaps, her biological mother.
Kate Lloyd has written a touching story of a young woman’s painful discovery that may lead her to a joy that she’s never known. An Unexpected Christmas Gift is a heartwarming story filled with all of the emotions associated with Christmas and family but be prepared to have plenty of tissues on hand!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no obligation to post a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
I thought this cover was beautiful and enjoy Kate Lloyds books so thought I’d like to read this one. Come to find out I’d read it last year but didn’t realize it because last year it was part of a Christmas collection called Amish Christmas Kitchen. The cover was different than this cover. HOWEVER I did enjoy reading it again and enjoyed the story maybe a little more than I did last year. So this was a 75 page novella and if you read the Christmas collection last year than this story is the same one you read then.
An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd
Maria Romano learns that she was adopted after she and her sister Trish takes DNA testing to learn about their ancestors. Maria was matched in the DNA testing to a Nancy Miller in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. On her way there from Hartford Connecticut,she gets caught in an awful snow blizzard and her car goes off the road into a ditch. An Amish man rescues her and takes her to the family she is looking for. They kindly allow her shelter from the winter storm but are unable to shed any light on who her biological mother might be. Will she ever find her real mother and learn why she was given up for adoption as a baby?
Readers of the Amish fiction genre will enjoy this novella .
I borrowed a copy from the Hoopla Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Well that was over too fast lol. What a great, heartwarming story perfect for Christmas lists everywhere. Kate Lloyd is a newly found author for me and a new favorite. I love the way she writes and the emotions I feel while reading her charming stories.
This one happens to be part of a series but can be read standalone. I never felt lost or confused while reading this one. I wholeheartedly recommend.
An Unexpected Christmas Gift is a quick novella by Kate Lloyd that brings the message that not gifts are physical. Sometimes some gifts are more about forgiveness, honesty, love, and family. I loved all of the characters. It was an easy family to fall in love with. I love short stories because I am able to finish them in one sitting usually. I am not left wanting to run back as quick as possible to finish. However, I will miss these characters. If you love recipes, Ms. Lloyd also includes a wonderful sounding recipe. I highly recommend this story set during a time of year that many believe is magical. I received a copy through the publisher. A review was not required.
Absolutely loved this book. Delightful Christmas read full of hope and family. You will not be disappointed.
An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd really grabbed at my heart because being adopted myself, I always felt I didn’t belong even though I do have a loving family. Stories like this always touch my heart.