“The love and warmth of the holiday season shines brightly in this charming trio.”—Booklist At the heart of winter’s darkness is the joyous glow of the Christmas season. In this love-filled holiday collection, warm yourself with the peaceful light of Plain gifts. SNOW SHINE ON ICE MOUNTAIN Kelly Long When staid Naomi Gish’s mischievous father hires strapping Gray Fisher at their candle … When staid Naomi Gish’s mischievous father hires strapping Gray Fisher at their candle shop for the season, she’s positive the old man has an ulterior motive. She doesn’t need help—but as Gray learns the craft of candle making, Naomi learns that love is not only possible, but God’s most precious gift.
A HONEYBEE CHRISTMAS
Jennifer Beckstrand
Of all the sacrifices Bitsy Kiem made to raise her three nieces Amish, giving up her Englisch life was the only thing she missed. With the girls married now, she has a chance to kick up her heels this Christmas—unless widowed Yost Weaver can convince her that Plain love is a flame that will never go out.
THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE
Lisa Jones Baker
Blessing those in need at Christmastime is one of Lydia’s favorite traditions. But without her newly married sister’s help this year, the task seems daunting—until handsome Mennonite John King shows her that hands joined to do good may unite hearts, as well.
“These three very different stories offer the same comforting holiday message: love can and does conquer all.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
more
The Amish Christmas Candle contains three Amish stories written by Jennifer Beckstrand, Kelly Long and Lisa Jones Baker. Snow Shines on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long is set in Ice Mountain, Pennsylvania. Naomi Gish makes and sells candles in her shop. She has been trying to convince her father, Bud to give up running moonshine. Bud hires Grayson Fisher to work in Naomi’s shop during the day and run moonshine for him at night (sneaky). Gray is bitter from an accident when he was fourteen that lost him the use of his right arm. During the holiday season miracles can happen. Is it possible for these two to find love and happiness this Christmas season?
A Honeybee Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand tells the story of Bitsy Kiem. Bitsy is on her own now that the three nieces she raised are happily married. One day, Yost Weaver stops by with his grandson, Levi. Levi “borrowed” some bee equipment from Bitsy and needs to make restitution. Bitsy wants to start a candle making business and Levi can be her apprentice. Yost will not allow his grandson to spend time alone with the unconventional Bitsy and insists upon accompanying him. Yost and Bitsy become reacquainted. Can these two very different people find a way to be together?
The Christmas Candle by Lisa Jones Baker revolves around Lydia Schultz. Lydia injures her ankle on the way home and John King (King’s Bakery) stops to assist her. King’s Bakery provides cinnamon rolls for Christmas treats for those in need every year. This year the list has doubled and they might not be able to provide them. Lydia misses her sister, Anna since she married and moved to Ohio. Every Christmas they would decide on a Christmas blessing and make it happen. Lydia and John team up to help each other and other this Christmas.
The Amish Christmas Candle has three heartwarming Amish stories. My favorite is A Honeybee Christmas. It is well-written, has delightful characters and plenty of humor. Bitsy is quite a character (I wish I had her gumption and zest for life). I am glad the author gave us Bitsy’s story (from the Honey Bee Sisters trilogy). All three novellas are easy to read and have good life lessons (honesty, truth, love, value of compromise, true meaning of Christmas). Snow Shine on Ice Mountain is heavy on romance (a little sappy), but the father was so mischievous. I liked the bayberry candle (it was interesting to find out they were made) and the Christmas miracle. There is a preview of An Amish Courtship on Ice Mountain at the end which tells the story of Bishop Umble. The Christmas Candle had a slower pace than the other stories, but it has a lovely ending. There is a recipe for the cinnamon rolls and an excerpt for Rachel’s Dream. I give The Amish Christmas Candle 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).
Three cute short Amish Christmas stories. They are different than most Amish books but enjoyable read.