Naomi's Gift

Kauffman Amish Bakery Christmas Stories #2

by Amy Clipston

Naomi has begun to believe that she isn’t meant to find love, but she might receive more than she has ever hoped for this Christmas.


Twenty-four-year-old Naomi King has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches, Naomi is certain that her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family’s quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down.

Genres: Amish, Christmas, Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 16, 2011

About the author

Hi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.

Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)

Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)

Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)


An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)

An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)

An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)

An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)

Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)

Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)

Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)

Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)

Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet Christmas story. I felt bad for Naomi in the main series so I was glad she had her own chance to find love.

Susie was so sweet. I loved her interactions with Naomi. And when she gave her the doll and told Naomi that they were friends - my heart melted.

I felt bad for Caleb but I was glad he was able to find love again - and also to tell his nosy sister of his off!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, sweet Amish romance!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sniffle...reading this review from 11 years ago was bittersweet because my old man sheltie was still alive and clamouring for walks. :-( Luckily, the story distracted me. :-)

----

I was transfixed by this novella. Read it in one sitting as a matter of fact. My poor dog missed another walk on account of a good book. I have to stop doing that or both our waistlines will suffer!

Clipston weaves a tight plot line with surprising depth and characterization that makes this a rewarding read. Her pacing is impeccable, nothing drags, rather each scene builds seamlessly to the climax. I think it's more difficult to write a really good short novel but Clipston has certainly mastered the art. I felt as satisfied as if I'd just finished an epic Amish trilogy. Speaking of which -- readers who have read The Kauffmann Bakery Series will be excited to catch glimpses of old friends. I haven't read the series (but certainly will now!) but didn't feel anything lacked in "Naomi's Gift" because of that. A lovely Christmas read that captures the essence of the season.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb Schmucker, a widower of two years and his eight year old daughter Susie are taking a trip from Ohio back to Caleb's hometown of Bird In Hand,Pa. to spend the holidays with his family. When Susie insists on stopping at a local farmers market to purchase a pie to take to her auntie Sadie's house she is drawn to Naomi King because of the quilts she is selling, and when Sadie reveals that her mother is dead, Naomi can't quit thinking about the little girl and her father. As Sadie and Naomi's friendship grows, Caleb wants to meet the woman who his daughter can't quit talking about, but is warned by his sister to stay away from Naomi, who has been labeled by gossips as someone who chases after men. When the two meets they both feel something, but Naomi's heart has been broken before and she knows that Caleb will be going back to Ohio and she has no intentions of having her heart broken again. Can an Amish widower and a girl who fears another broken heart find love together?
This was a nice story about two people who find love at Christmas. I loved how God drew Sadie to Naomi.I really felt sorry for Naomi, she was someone who had her heart broken twice, and the rumor mill made her seem like the bad person. I was a bit disappointed at her mother's harsh attitude in the beginning, I was actually beginning to believe her mother didn't want Naomi to be happy and have a home of her own. Caleb's sister Sadie was just mean, but it was refreshing to see a gossipy, spiteful Amish person, because they are often portrayed as perfect with no flaws, but Sadie had plenty of them.I loved the relationship between Caleb and his daughter Susie.
While this book is part of the Kauffmann Bakery series it could easily be read as a stand alone work. If your looking for a sweet romance story where the characters get a second chance at love then your certainly going to enjoy this one. I loved reading the story of Naomi and Caleb and can't wait for my next visit to the Kauffman Bakery. Recommended!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi’s Gift by Amy Clipston
Short Review by Kara Grant

I was pleasantly surprised by this wonderful story; I only wished it had lasted longer than 178 pages. This book is a Christmas story that accurately illustrates miracles and romance. Naomi has been through two relationships that broke her heart and has resigned herself to not getting married. She focuses her attention on seeking God, helping her parents with her eight siblings, and working as a quilt maker. Caleb is a widower with a young daughter determined to make the right decisions as God leads him and he is not interested in the plans of his intrusive sister.

It was annoying that everyone wants to tell Caleb and Naomi how to live their lives so I felt like cheering every time they were able to spend time together. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Caleb and Naomi are sitting outside on a bench in the snow. Caleb forgot to grab his jacket, but he’s enjoying himself in her company so much that he would rather shiver than interrupt the conversation to get the jacket. I thought that was adorable. I also enjoyed it when Caleb stands up to his sister and another woman that is pursuing him for the wrong reasons. I’m happy to say that this book has a happy ending, I solidly connected with the main characters, and I enjoyed learning more Amish vocabulary in the glossary provided. There is a recipe for raspberry dream torte and discussion questions provided at the end. This is my first book with Amy Clipston, but it won’t be my last :)

I won this book in a contest at my book club, Christian Fiction Devourers, and I want to thank Amy for sending me a signed copy complete with matching bookmarkers. I think I’ll go read some library books now :)

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So my fiancé and I are driving to Va after visiting my father in Philly. We stop at one of the rest stops - Delaware house? Chesapeake house? Maryland house? - one of those big ones. I'm in line for the register buying snacks and I see a book on the book spin-rack called "Naomi's Gift". My name is Naomi so I pick it up to see what my gift is. The blurb on the back is all "Naomi blah blah blah, and then she meets Caleb, blah blah blah." My fiancé (now husband) is named Caleb, so this is funny to me. I buy it, read it, and eventually give it to my (now) mother-in-law for Christmas.

Um. The book? I just remember thinking some of those women were straight up bitches. Not much of an impression otherwise. I didn't identify with Naomi much and I did not see my husband in Caleb at all. I'm cool with that though.

Five stars because Naomi and Caleb have a happy ending and that's all I care about. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless you get off on stories in which Naomi and Caleb get an HEA.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most interesting book I've read by this author. Realistic characters and sweet story.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sweetest book. It’s a very quick read, and it’s a fun book at Christmastime. It’s a sweet romance, which isn’t my usual genre. But I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters so much, and I wish this were a longer novel!

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

{Merry CHRISTmas everyone! Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday in honor of our Savior’s birth there’ll be a new Christmas book review! With a couple giveaways sprinkled in, it’s going to be so much fun! Let’s start!}

About this book:

“Sometimes the most unanticipated gifts are the most precious of all.
In the Amish community of Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania, twenty-four-year-old Naomi King has had her heart broken twice, and she has all but given up on marriage and family.
The she meets Caleb, a widower with an eight-year-old daughter.
It’s the Christmas season, there’s magic in the air, and the deep feelings Caleb stirs in Naomi make her believe she may receive the gift of true love after all.

Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you’ll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman’s story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams and secrets. You’ll discover the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle but also how it can clash with the “English” way of. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by their hope, their faith, and the importance they place on their family.”


Series: This novella is connected to the ‘Kauffman Amish Bakery’ series and is the second book is the Christmas Stories line. I’ll be reviewing the first book in this Christmas line later this month.


Spiritual Content- Scriptures are quoted; Church going & singing; Prayers & Blessings over food; Many Talks about God & His plans; ‘H’s when talking about God are capital; Christmas & a Christmas program; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of Heaven.


Negative Content- A bit of sarcasm; Pain (up to semi-detailed); A mention of a buggy & car crash (border-line semi-detailed); Mentions of gossips.


Sexual Content- a semi-detailed kiss; Noticing & Smelling; Blushes; Touches (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of being boy crazy; Love, falling in love, and the emotions.

-Naomi King
-Caleb Schmucker
P.O.V. switches between them
178 pages (with a recipe at the back!)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
While “Naomi’s Gift” was a novella, don’t let that stop you from reading it! It was a perfect length with such a sweet storyline!
Now, I’m giving away a copy of “Naomi’s Gift”! You can either keep it (or give it away at Christmas, getting an e-copy for yourself at only $1.99 for Kindle, CBD, or Nook! Just thought I’d throw that out there. ;) )



Link to review and GIVEAWAY:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[PopcornReads - MkNoah · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my search to provide a wide range of holiday stories, I was drawn to Naomi’s Gift: An Amish Christmas Story by Amy Clipston. All of us get nostalgic this time of year and I hoped a story set in the Amish community would provide us with an old fashioned Christmas. Naomi’s Gift is a novella that did not disappoint.

Although it’s part of a series, Naomi’s Gift works well as a stand-alone novel. It contains a glossary of Amish words and the families involved in the story are delineated in a geneology chart, so it’s very easy to see who’s who and how they’re related. For those of you who’ve read this series centering on the Kauffman Amish Bakery, some of the same families appear in this novel. There’s even a cookie exchange at the bakery. For those of you who haven’t, no worries. I believe you’ll find this light read to be sweet, nostalgic and heartwarming. Just the kind of book you want to curl up with on a holiday evening! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=2420.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy does not disappoint in her small Christmas novella - she continues to allow us the join theKaufman family and friends in Bird in a Hand, Pennsylvania. We were lucky enough to visit them in the Kaufmann bakery series: A Promise of Hope, A Gift of Grace and a Place of Peace.

In this one Naomi, who has had trouble in love in the other books finally thinks God has brought her a husband. This is her story. Amy throws in a little Christmas cheer and an enjoyable read for all.

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi hasn't had the best luck with the "loves" in her life: Luke Troyer and Timothy Kauffmann. The gossip in town even told Caleb, who has returned to his hometown with his little girl, that Naomi was bad news and not appropriate for him. But Susie is attracted to this nice Naomi who likes to quilt, like her mother used to do before she passed away and Caleb finds Naomi easy to talk to. Both have their hearts guarded but the special Christmas holiday spirit touches them all.
182 pages

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
This author has a divine way with combining a sensible plot and believable characters.

This book has its own story line that captivates the audience in its own magical way.

Each book is able to stand on its own, clean and wholesome, and concludes with an HEA. These are important attributes for my reading pleasure.

[LINDA BOURG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about two people who find love during the holiday season. It was a short read but the ending is so sweet, i enjoyed reading this series and i look forward to reading more books by this author.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet short story that is drama free.A widower finding love for a second chance . He crosses paths at a farmers market.this is very heart- warming .

[Laura Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, I get a book and just love the way it feels in my hands. You know what I mean...the size is right, the cover is smooth, and it's not too heavy to lie in bed and read. Naomi's Gift was like that. Silly? Maybe, but things like that matter to this addicted reader.

If the book is beautiful and the story enchanting...well that is just all the better. See what I mean? Isn't it lovely? I've reviewed a couple of Mrs. Clipston's books, A Plain and Simple Christmas and A Gift of Grace. She has yet to disappoint me.



Naomi is a young Amish woman who has been disappointed in love twice. Her mother and many of the community's ladies blame her for going after the young men she was interested in. Naomi struggles with guilt over these failed relationships and feels that God wants her to live her life alone caring for her siblings.

Caleb is an Amish widower who lost his wife two years previously on Christmas Eve. He feels guilt because he was unable to protect his wife and unborn child. He has been living in another community since his marriage but comes home to spend the holidays with his family in an effort to ease the pain in his heart.

Susie is Caleb's young daughter. She meets Naomi initially when she is drawn to the quilts that Naomi is selling in the farmer's market. Later, Susie meets Naomi again through the Kauffman family's Christmas activities. Susie is drawn to Naomi just as Naomi is drawn to Susie. Will Susie bring Naomi and Caleb together? Will Naomi and Caleb settle the issues in their hearts? Will love bloom like a Christmas cactus?

I encourage you to pick up this delightful book which continues the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. It stands alone as well; but, I warn you, once you read one of Mrs. Clipston's books, you will want to read them all.



Amy Clipston is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery novels. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and currently works for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. Amy lives with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled-rotten cats. Visit her on the web at www.amyclipston.com.

I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

NAOMI’S GIFT is a wonderful story about a woman who thought her chance at finding true love and a husband has passed her by. Naomi is trying to accept the fact that she will be living the life of a spinster. That is about to change when a man and his little girl come to visit for Christmas. I love the clean and wholesome family life that Amish books have especially with the way the world is today. Naomi’s family is very supportive, which is not always the case in Amish stories. The ties to the past that help shape the future is just the right touch. NAOMI’S GIFT is a quick and entertaining read, and you really won’t know until the end what happens.

Amy Clipston was one of the first authors I read when I discovered the Amish genre, so she’ll always hold a special place in my heart. I love her Kauffman Amish Bakery series and I’m always eagerly awaiting the next installment. I was so happy that she’d chosen to revisit one of the reoccurring characters, Naomi, in her Christmas novella, NAOMI’S GIFT. Your heart will break for Naomi and for all she is going through. I just wanted to reach inside the book and give her a great big hug. Why do some in her community have to hold her past against her? She was a silly teenager when she made those choices and its almost like they won’t give her a second chance. I was also praying the whole time reading that Naomi wasn’t going to get her heart broken again. Poor Caleb feels as if he isn’t good enough for Naomi and Naomi protects her heart from him. What could possibly go wrong?

I have been enjoying Amy Clipston’s stories for many years and NAOMI’S GIFT is exactly why. The twists and turns in Naomi and Caleb’s lives pop up when you least expect them. Amy pulls you right in and makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing all the heart wrenching feelings that her characters are. When I hear that Amy Clipston has a new book coming out, I run to it. She is one of my favorite Amish authors and I devour her stories very quickly. I love how her stories allow me to escape my reality and puts me right in the middle of Amish country.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naomi (a twenty-five year old Amish woman) has been "unlucky" in love twice and is leery of a third heartbreak. She believes God's resigned her to help her mother take care of the younger siblings and just never marry.

Along comes Caleb and his sweet young daughter Susie for a visit to the home of his youth for the Christmas holiday. Caleb is a widower still grieving his wife. Naomi falls in love with Susie immediately.

**********************************************

This was a bit too simply written for my taste. Grade-school level in my opinion. Plus there were certain Pennsylvania Dutch words that were mixed in with English, annoying because of their abundance. I had to keep turning to the glossary to find out what words meant because they were seldom explained.

Amish don't refer to themselves as Christians, they refer to themselves as Amish. So I was confused when characters used that term for themselves. But in Note to Reader the author uses the disclaimer that, though her research was thorough, inaccuracies were due to fictional license. That made me wince.

The reviews for this book were fairly high, so since I recently received it I thought it would be a good holiday read.

[Rachel Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Naomi’s Gift by Amy Clipston
By Rachel Ropper

GENRE: AMISH ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: ZONDERVAN
PUBLICATION DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2011
RATING: 8 OUT OF 10

After having her heart broken more than once, Naomi King has given up on love and resigned herself to remaining at home and helping her mother care for her siblings. It isn’t until widower Caleb Schmucker returns from Ohio for the holidays, along with his eight year old daughter, Susie, that she begins to wonder whether God will grant her another second chance. Caleb has been told many times that Susie needs a mother and that he should remarry, but he wants to find a woman who will love Susie as much as she loves him. When Susie captures the eye of Naomi while at a farmer’s market, Susie latches on to the older woman and the two become fast friends. Soon Caleb is spending more time with his daughter and her new best friend than he would have expected, especially considering the rumours circulating about Naomi and the way that she supposedly chases after single men. But with Caleb cautious about courting again after the death of his wife, and his sister determined to match him up with someone other than Naomi, will anything come of this new friendship?

Amy Clipston is one of the first authors I read when I discovered the Amish genre, so she’ll always hold a special place in my heart. I adore her Kauffman Amish Bakery series and I’m always eagerly awaiting the next instalment, so I was glad that she’d chosen to revisit one of the reoccurring characters, Naomi, in her Christmas novella. As much as I love Amy’s stories, I’m always cautious when it comes to novellas as their shortness often leaves little room for character development, which can make some novellas seem predictable or rushed. I’m pleased to say that I was rather satisfied with Amy’s attempts in Naomi’s Gift, and while the story did rely a little too much on the “love at first sight” idea, I enjoyed witnessing Naomi and Caleb overcome their past difficulties and become open to new relationships.

The underlying theme in Naomi’s Gift is that God is always willing to give us another chance, no matter how many mistakes we’ve made. Those who are familiar with the Kauffman Amish Bakery series will recall that Naomi, in her younger years, was apt to throw her attentions at young men, often without thinking through her actions properly, and was then led along by another man who had no interest in marrying her. As a result of this, by the start of Naomi’s Gift, she’s convinced that love and marriage are not what God has planned for her since she’s been hurt so many times before. Caleb is also hurting because of the loss of his wife and although duty suggests that he should remarry for Susie’s sake, he can’t bear to marry someone who doesn’t care for both of them. While Naomi and Caleb are instantly attracted to each other, they hasten to deny it and bond over their love of Susie and the fact that neither of them feels ready for a relationship at that moment. While the chemistry is present between them from the start of the story, it was nice to see their friendship develop gently and naturally.

Of course, well-meaning friends and relatives are apt to suspect that something more is going on between Caleb and Naomi, and in particular, Caleb’s sister Sadie, who is convinced that her friend, Irene, is a better match for Caleb. Repeating malicious rumours that she’s heard about Naomi, Sadie tries to push a wedge between the couple and convince him that Irene is more suited for him than Naomi. Here, Caleb’s desire to find a woman who loves Susie as much as she loves him comes into play, and it was so encouraging to see the way that Susie played a role in all of his relationships. Sometimes children are inserted into a story for entertainment and to give a book the “Aww!” factor, but Susie was a character in her own right who interacted with everyone. Caleb includes his daughter in every decision he makes, therefore how a woman treats his daughter is essential if he’s considering marriage to her.

I really struggled with Sadie’s character, particularly because her gossiping and self-centred mannerisms are not in keeping with what one would expect from an Amish woman. As much as I would love to write off her character as an illustration of how gossip can infiltrate even the Amish way of life and hurt people, showing that no one is perfect, I could not see any motivation for Sadie acting the way she did. She constantly bad-mouthed poor Naomi and pressed Irene on Caleb at every opportunity without checking whether he actually liked the woman. In the end, she apologies, but I didn’t find her character terribly realistic or her actions believable, so ultimately it seemed as if she was acting as she did purely to move the plot along and create conflict. This is one of the problems with novellas, and Sadie definitely suffers from lack of character development. I felt the same way about David in Amy’s other novella, A Plain and Simple Christmas, who is stubborn throughout the entire story, refusing to listen to any of his wife’s ideas and suggestions until she goes behind his back and ultimately makes him realise that he was wrong, where upon he eventually apologies. Sadie’s stubbornness and belief that she knew what was best for Caleb and his daughter definitely reminded me of David, which is the main pitfall of this otherwise lovely novella.

Despite the lack of development in secondary characters as can be naturally expected in a short novella, Naomi’s Gift is a sweet and endearing love story. A couple who don’t ever expect to experience love again stumble upon it at Christmastime with the help of Caleb’s adorable daughter, reminding readers that one of the gifts God gave us is the possibility to always have a second chance.

Review title provided courtesy of Zondervan.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caleb is an Amish widower, who is visiting family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for the holiday season. Still burdened with the sorrow of his wife's death two years earlier, and trying to raise his little girl, Susie, his world is changed when he meets Naomi. Naomi has had her share of heartache, and is hesitant to let anyone in, but when little Susie befriends her, she can't help but drawn in - and where the daughter is, so is the father, and this combination may just lead to the Christmas gift that both of them really need.

A cute, sweet story - squeaky clean and fun. Living in Amish country, I have always been curious about all the Amish romance books I see at the library, and I am glad I finally read one. I was a bit distracted by the Pennsylvania Dutch the spoke, but once I got used to all the strange words, it was fine.

[Ruthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet Christmas read (which I unintentionally finished on the same day I received it). The novel did feel like a hallmark film with its simplicity and predictable storyline, however I did enjoy the Christian base to it. I found it a wonderful reminder that everything is in God’s timing and made me feel grateful for my loving family. The characters were full of life and I’d say it was wunderbaar gut!

I’m not much of a Christmas reader (and what I mean by that is I’ve not read many Christmas books specifically around Christmas time). This year I was given this book for Christmas and found a quiet moment to journey into a charming story during festive times. This contributed to making my Christmas evening pleasant and felt very special. It’s wonderful how books can really enhance experiences and special walks of life.

[Annette Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, as well as the other Christmas title in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. One of the things that struck me about this story was how important it is to wait on God's timing rather than rushing with plans of our own that might not work out. I just loved little susie, Caleb's eight-year-old daughter. she was such a cutie! I also loved how Caleb relied on the Lord for strength to deal with the lingering pain and grief from the los of his wife, Barbara, two years previously. I love amy Clipston's stories, and I hope she'll write more Christmas novels or novellas dealing with the characters in the amish Bakery series.

[Donna Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book I decided to read for my book club to decide upon was this one --- mostly because it was available to listen to. It went way too slow for me, and not much happened. There wasn't much conflict --- oh, there was the guy's sister trying to marry him off to someone else, but that was about it. Maybe could have used more about her family not being able to be without her or something? Anyway, I didn't even bring it up as a choice for them because I had read 5 other xmas books that were better, in my opinion. But this is a nice, simple christmas book with lots of religion discussed. I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naomi King has had her heart broken twice. Now at the age of 24 she is convinced that God's plan for her is to work in the quilt shop and to help care for her younger siblings. Then, one day she looks into the eyes of an Amish man who used to live in their Lancaster, PA district until he moved away to settle in Ohio where his late wife was from. Caleb and his daughter Susie are visting for Christmas. Susie is praying for a Christmas miracle - that her widowed father will find a new wife, someone to make their family complete again.
This was a nice Winter time story which takes you into the homes and one room school of the Bird-in-Hand Amish community.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a good quick read Christmas book? Here it is.

Naomi King has had her heart broken twice. She has decided her mission in life is to help her parents raise her siblings and make quilts.
Caleb Schmucker, a widower and his eight year old daughter, Susie have come back home to spend Christmas with his sister and her family.
Naomi, Susie and Caleb become friends after being thrown together through church and family gatherings. Caleb begins to think about Naomi more and more. He realizes a long distant relationship just would not work, but if he relocated would they become more than just good friends?

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a Christmas miracle for two lonely people when they meet by chance during the Christmas season. Caleb, a widower with a young daughter, is visiting family. They first see Naomi at a shop at the farmers’ market, and then again at a church service, and once more at a friend’s get-together. Despite some problems caused by some interfering people, they are attracted to each other. The tale is a sweet one, the end destined for a happily-ever-after for the likable characters, and a lovely story for the Christmas season, or really, any time.

[Melody Kitchens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how sweet Naomi was tonSusie and her widower father. I've really been enjoying these Amish books lately. The part where Naomi got trapped in the blizzard seemed a little far fetched and the ending felt a little rushed. I would've enjoyed to read it play out a little more instead of jumping straight from friends shopping to madly in love. Yet, I understand that doesn't fit into the typical model for romance novels.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a woman who thought he chance of finding true love and a husband had passed her by and was trying to resign herself to being a spinster but that was about to change when a man and his little girl came to visit for Christmas. Her heart was filled with love for the little girl and her dad and best of all the dad's heart was freed from a very hard burden he had carried for 2 years.
Again just a lovely uplifting story of the Amish and their way of life.

[Sydni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a beautiful Christmas love story, "Naomi's Gift" by Amy Clipston is one you definitely need to read. It is a beautiful example of God's perfect timing and plan for all of us. Sometimes we cannot understand what is happening in our daily lives because we can only see from day to day, but God sees the big picture. In case you did not know, HE is still in the miracle making business. The message of this story is a wonderful example of His love!

[Sue Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed from the Ontario Library Service Consortium
Short and sweet. A little old fashioned in the way things work but a nice story overall. I loved the little girl (Susie) and Naomi's relationship. I hadn't read a love story in a long time - and it was nice to read a genre like this for a change.