What do you think?
Rate this book
A Plain & Fancy Christmas
Raised in a Pennsylvania Amish community, young mother Rachel Yoder has led a simple life within her close-knit family. Widowed three years ago, she has moved back in with her parents, attempting to raise her daughter, Katie, without further emotional upheaval. Meanwhile, four hours and a whole world away in New York City, Ellie Lawrence is laser-focused on a high-powered public relations career, with too little time for her family, her friends, or even her boyfriend.
Then one fateful day, these two very different women receive shocking news of a mistake made three decades earlier and long kept Shortly after their births, the two were accidentally switched in the hospital. Shaken to the core by this momentous news, Rachel and Ellie are plunged into an exploration of who they are and where they really belong. While Ellie is eager to learn more about her Amish family and their life in the countryside, Rachel cannot help but feel jealous as she watches the only mother she has ever known bonding so easily with her natural daughter. But Rachel also knows that her own biological family is out there, and with Katie at her side she heads for Manhattan, where she establishes a connection with the raucous, spirited Lawrences.
As Ellie and Rachel make their way through unfamiliar landscapes, they face life-altering challenges and grapple with a crucial Will their old conventions and desires give way to new customs and yearnings? With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, it takes the love of two families for Rachel and Ellie to discover their own paths to fulfillment and happiness.
Then one fateful day, these two very different women receive shocking news of a mistake made three decades earlier and long kept Shortly after their births, the two were accidentally switched in the hospital. Shaken to the core by this momentous news, Rachel and Ellie are plunged into an exploration of who they are and where they really belong. While Ellie is eager to learn more about her Amish family and their life in the countryside, Rachel cannot help but feel jealous as she watches the only mother she has ever known bonding so easily with her natural daughter. But Rachel also knows that her own biological family is out there, and with Katie at her side she heads for Manhattan, where she establishes a connection with the raucous, spirited Lawrences.
As Ellie and Rachel make their way through unfamiliar landscapes, they face life-altering challenges and grapple with a crucial Will their old conventions and desires give way to new customs and yearnings? With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, it takes the love of two families for Rachel and Ellie to discover their own paths to fulfillment and happiness.
323 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
68 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
December 19, 2023
A Plain and Fancy Christmas by Cynthia Keller. A lovely story of two babies. They grow up completely opposite of their bio families. A sweet predictable story.
October 19, 2011
I won an ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
A Plain and Fancy Christmas was an interesting book. The best way to describe it seems to be, warm and fuzzy. It was a very easy read and I sometimes found it to be lacking substance. The premise of the book is that two women, both named Rachel, one Amish, one a city girl, find out that they were switched at birth. The book describes the girls finding out about their additional families, relating to their new families, adjusting to farm life and the city, and finally coming together to be friends and creating a new existence from their new knowledge.
I wanted so much more out of this book than I got. First of all, the title, A Plain and Fancy Christmas, leads one to believe that the book will be about Christmas. It is not. In fact, Christmas gets one to two pages at the very end of the book and that is it. Secondly, I would have liked more information about Amish beliefs and values. There was a general overview of the Amish community, but it was bare basics. I felt that the book was very respectful to the Amish community, but I could have used more information.
I would have also liked to know more about the relationships of our characters and more in depth information about their feelings. Finding out that you have an entirely new family would bring about a wealth of emotions and the book really doesn't address that at all. It chooses to focus more on the differences between life in an Amish community and life in New York City.
I feel like the idea behind the book was a good one, the Amish community is a subject that people will want to read about, but the book was very shallow and could have used more depth and substance.
A Plain and Fancy Christmas was an interesting book. The best way to describe it seems to be, warm and fuzzy. It was a very easy read and I sometimes found it to be lacking substance. The premise of the book is that two women, both named Rachel, one Amish, one a city girl, find out that they were switched at birth. The book describes the girls finding out about their additional families, relating to their new families, adjusting to farm life and the city, and finally coming together to be friends and creating a new existence from their new knowledge.
I wanted so much more out of this book than I got. First of all, the title, A Plain and Fancy Christmas, leads one to believe that the book will be about Christmas. It is not. In fact, Christmas gets one to two pages at the very end of the book and that is it. Secondly, I would have liked more information about Amish beliefs and values. There was a general overview of the Amish community, but it was bare basics. I felt that the book was very respectful to the Amish community, but I could have used more information.
I would have also liked to know more about the relationships of our characters and more in depth information about their feelings. Finding out that you have an entirely new family would bring about a wealth of emotions and the book really doesn't address that at all. It chooses to focus more on the differences between life in an Amish community and life in New York City.
I feel like the idea behind the book was a good one, the Amish community is a subject that people will want to read about, but the book was very shallow and could have used more depth and substance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2016
I really enjoyed A Plain and Fancy Christmas, although I have to say, it was not the book I expected.
First, I thought this was a Holiday read, and it really isn't. Only the events of the last chapter are happening at Christmastime. The books ends with Christmas, but actually starts in May.
Also, I expected this book to be Christian fiction, but it isn't really. There are no mention of God; even the Amish characters only talk about destiny. It is clean fiction however...
Furthermore, I didn't get the ending I hoped for... I'm not sure I quite liked how things turned out for Rachel. Still, it was a believable and satisfying conclusion to the story.
Nevertheless, this doesn't take away from the great story and characters.
This is a babies switch at birth kind of story, with one of the families involved being Amish and the other being a wealthy family living in New York. I loved how realistic both the events and the characters' dialogues and actions were. The book is also full of information on the Amish lifestyle (but not much on their beliefs).
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean realistic fiction book, with charming characters and an intriguing story.
First, I thought this was a Holiday read, and it really isn't. Only the events of the last chapter are happening at Christmastime. The books ends with Christmas, but actually starts in May.
Also, I expected this book to be Christian fiction, but it isn't really. There are no mention of God; even the Amish characters only talk about destiny. It is clean fiction however...
Furthermore, I didn't get the ending I hoped for... I'm not sure I quite liked how things turned out for Rachel. Still, it was a believable and satisfying conclusion to the story.
Nevertheless, this doesn't take away from the great story and characters.
This is a babies switch at birth kind of story, with one of the families involved being Amish and the other being a wealthy family living in New York. I loved how realistic both the events and the characters' dialogues and actions were. The book is also full of information on the Amish lifestyle (but not much on their beliefs).
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean realistic fiction book, with charming characters and an intriguing story.
December 13, 2012
I enjoyed this book. The characters felt real, but the story was a little far fetched.
October 1, 2011
Two baby girls from completely different backgrounds were born in the same hospital in Lancaster County. A doctor under pressure to not make any more mistakes drinks too much and send the wrong baby home with a couple. Years pass and no one knows that it happened except his wife. When she had been widowed and knows that she is dying, she wants to make things right by telling the truth to the two women.
Rachel Yodel has grown up in an Amish community, married and then widowed and was left with a daughter, named Katie. Rachel always felt that she didn’t quite fit it. She looked different from her parents and brother and sisters and she was always the one who got into trouble. During the period that she lived away (rumspringer) from her family in an apartment. This time away is a tradition among the Amish to help them find out if they are ready to commit themselves by baptism to the Amish way of life
She found that she loved to read and learn. There was always something that was missing for her in the Amish life. The Amish have education just to the eight grade as that is thought all that they need.
In contrast, Ellie Shore had a high powered public relations job with an apartment in New York. She found herself working constantly to keep from making a mistake and to keep up with the job. It took all of her time. She was a slave to her cell phone and her computer.
What happens when these two unrelated women receive the letter from the widow telling them that they are not really who they think they are?
I loved the characters of the two women that Cynthia Keller created and especially little smart and spunky Katie, the daughter of Rachel.
All of the families of both the women are richly developed and have their own personalities. The writing is clear and straight forward and you can easily get immerse in the cooking part of Amish life while New York environment is wonderful and dangerous at the same time.
That is enough details about the story, I think you will truly like what developed over time and many conversations at the end. I think you will love little Katie!
I recommend this book to all who love Amish fiction and a great story.
I received this book as a part of the Amazon Vine Program but that in no way influenced my review.
Rachel Yodel has grown up in an Amish community, married and then widowed and was left with a daughter, named Katie. Rachel always felt that she didn’t quite fit it. She looked different from her parents and brother and sisters and she was always the one who got into trouble. During the period that she lived away (rumspringer) from her family in an apartment. This time away is a tradition among the Amish to help them find out if they are ready to commit themselves by baptism to the Amish way of life
She found that she loved to read and learn. There was always something that was missing for her in the Amish life. The Amish have education just to the eight grade as that is thought all that they need.
In contrast, Ellie Shore had a high powered public relations job with an apartment in New York. She found herself working constantly to keep from making a mistake and to keep up with the job. It took all of her time. She was a slave to her cell phone and her computer.
What happens when these two unrelated women receive the letter from the widow telling them that they are not really who they think they are?
I loved the characters of the two women that Cynthia Keller created and especially little smart and spunky Katie, the daughter of Rachel.
All of the families of both the women are richly developed and have their own personalities. The writing is clear and straight forward and you can easily get immerse in the cooking part of Amish life while New York environment is wonderful and dangerous at the same time.
That is enough details about the story, I think you will truly like what developed over time and many conversations at the end. I think you will love little Katie!
I recommend this book to all who love Amish fiction and a great story.
I received this book as a part of the Amazon Vine Program but that in no way influenced my review.
June 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Good story line, no raunchy sex which was a breath of fresh air, and I went through it quickly. I did find it a little...hard to completely swallow how fast Ellie was able/willing to make that switch. Especially when she saw Rachel's parents reaction to Katie hopping on that bus and them not even allowing Rachel to see her daughter. From "the English world" she grew up in, despite her love for these people, I really think that would have blew her away a lot more and made her mad and question the negatives of the Amish world/upbringing/mindset. But she remained ever so respectful...I just think she would have been a little more "real"--"Seriously, I love you guys, but how dare you keep her from her own daughter when she was merely doing the same thing I was--not to mention THOSE people are MY parents--and they are great people!" I don't know, something like that. It was a peaceful, happy read, which sometimes is much needed!!! (And now, off to my book starting beginning w/ a hanging...)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
I very rarely or ever give a book five stars. But I really did enjoyed this book! It was a beautiful story about two women (an Amish woman & an English woman) switched at birth and the secret is revealed after a few decades. I don’t want to give spoilers so I won’t give details, but the story was a beautiful story about how a very wrong decision can be still be turned into something good and beautiful. I loved that this book quickly got to the point and had my interest through the entire book. Although it had a little romance, it wasn’t a romance like many Amish books.
December 11, 2018
First of all, this is NOT a book about Christmas. Christmas takes place during the last three pages.
Second, this reads like a trashy romance novel, but without any romance.
The characters are boring and have no personalities. Everything is too good to be true. There are no real struggles. The few struggles that there are either have nothing to do with the story or are resolved within a page or two.
Basically, this book just isn't interesting.
Second, this reads like a trashy romance novel, but without any romance.
The characters are boring and have no personalities. Everything is too good to be true. There are no real struggles. The few struggles that there are either have nothing to do with the story or are resolved within a page or two.
Basically, this book just isn't interesting.
September 27, 2024
Two babies switched at birth .
I enjoyed this story . Both of these women were trying to merge relationships and figure out where they belong. They both had good support from their families .
I enjoyed this story . Both of these women were trying to merge relationships and figure out where they belong. They both had good support from their families .
October 25, 2011
What would you do if you found out your parents were not YOUR parents. What if you found out that instead of being a Professional in NYC, you were supposed to be a plain Amish woman?
That's what happened to Rachel & Ellie.
An alcoholic doctor on his second strike, mistakenly sends baby Ellie to Manhattan with the Lawrence family. Rachel is sent to Lancaster Co. P.A. to be raised Amish.
Rachel is still reeling from the loss of her husband and is raising her daughter Katie. Rachel has always felt that she did not fit in the Amish life. As a child she was always questioning and had a hard time following the strict rules. If it wasn't for her husband she might have not returned to the community to be baptized.
Ellie wants to meet her biological parents, not that she doesn't love the parents that raised her. She is stressed out and over worked. She is starting to question her choices in her life. She wants to get married and have children.
The closer that Ellie gets to her Amish family, the more Rachel feels jealous. Though Rachel is becoming closer to her English family she feels torn between her Amish upbringing and her desire to learn.
This was a great and uplifting book.
That's what happened to Rachel & Ellie.
An alcoholic doctor on his second strike, mistakenly sends baby Ellie to Manhattan with the Lawrence family. Rachel is sent to Lancaster Co. P.A. to be raised Amish.
Rachel is still reeling from the loss of her husband and is raising her daughter Katie. Rachel has always felt that she did not fit in the Amish life. As a child she was always questioning and had a hard time following the strict rules. If it wasn't for her husband she might have not returned to the community to be baptized.
Ellie wants to meet her biological parents, not that she doesn't love the parents that raised her. She is stressed out and over worked. She is starting to question her choices in her life. She wants to get married and have children.
The closer that Ellie gets to her Amish family, the more Rachel feels jealous. Though Rachel is becoming closer to her English family she feels torn between her Amish upbringing and her desire to learn.
This was a great and uplifting book.
January 28, 2012
i really enjoyed this book i could not put it down it was a good page turner for me. even after i read it i keep thinking about it. it was a different amish book then i usually read i read more romance books.
it is about two women that knew something was not right in their lives they did not look like anyone in there family and felt something was missing. they both recieved a letter that thirty years ago there was a mix up at the hospital that they were switch at birth one was an amish family and the other one was an english family. Ellie she was born of the amish family but grew up in an english life style she was a vice president in a big coporation and was never really happy.
the other women was name rachel she was born english but grew up amish she had a little girl named katie her husband died three years ago. but Rachel did not look like any of her siblings.
when both the girls recieved the letter they were shocked they did not know who they really were their lives was turned upside down.
i recomend this book to anyone who loves family style books.
i gave it a 5 star.
it is about two women that knew something was not right in their lives they did not look like anyone in there family and felt something was missing. they both recieved a letter that thirty years ago there was a mix up at the hospital that they were switch at birth one was an amish family and the other one was an english family. Ellie she was born of the amish family but grew up in an english life style she was a vice president in a big coporation and was never really happy.
the other women was name rachel she was born english but grew up amish she had a little girl named katie her husband died three years ago. but Rachel did not look like any of her siblings.
when both the girls recieved the letter they were shocked they did not know who they really were their lives was turned upside down.
i recomend this book to anyone who loves family style books.
i gave it a 5 star.
December 27, 2018
A feel good story for Christmas time - nothing more - nothing less. The story revolves around two Rachels - one raised in an Amish family in Pennsylvania and the other raised in New York City. When we meet these two Rachels they are both about 30 years old - one single and a high powered executive in New York City with a so-so love life and the other a widowed mother of a 10 year old girl making her way through hard work and family on an Amish farm. Both are about to find out they were switched at birth and the story mainly revolves around discovering their own true selves (and what is important in life) as they explore their new very different second families. The book definitely leans towards the Amish experience and simplicity being the better "life" but it does allow modernist ideas as well. Watching the two switch lives for a while (much easier on the NY woman than the Amish woman) is pleasant. They both may fall a little too easily into the others' family but the book isn't meant to be deep. Liked the characters - liked the morals - a little bit of suspense at times. A good Christmas day read but don't expect great literature.
January 31, 2012
A different twist on the switched at birth story. It was very interesting to see how the two women coped with the idea of having a different family, and one so different than the way they were raised. After the initial shock, both families welcomed the "new" daughter. Meeting her Amish family gave Ellie a sense of herself that had been missing for awhile, and gave her the courage to make a major change in her life. Rachel had also frequently felt like she didn't quite fit in with her family. Ellie left her job and moved to Pennsylvania to spend time with Rachel's family. There she began to live a simpler life that felt much more rewarding to her. Rachel took Katie and went to live in Ellie's apartment in New York, and spent time with the Lawrence family. It was very hard for them in the city, especially Katie. Rachel also learned some things about herself. I really enjoyed seeing the two women as they grew and adapted to their new families.
November 2, 2016
A Plain &Fancy Christmas by Cynthia Keller
Many times had to take a step back and remember which Girl was I reading about . At the ripe old age of 30 two young women got a letter that would change their lives forever.
Your Mother and father are not really your parents, a man (Dr) had issues 30 years ago and sent the wrong baby home with an English couple who now live in New York.
The other baby went to an amish couple and was raised amish, never knowing but suspecting she was just not like her siblings.
The letter when opened told of the doctors mistake and how the women were living with the wrong set of parents.
Reading this story and seeing the young women meet and learn about their "Real Parents" is quite a story...you will want to read this and see how both families figures out what the rest of their lives will hold.
Many times had to take a step back and remember which Girl was I reading about . At the ripe old age of 30 two young women got a letter that would change their lives forever.
Your Mother and father are not really your parents, a man (Dr) had issues 30 years ago and sent the wrong baby home with an English couple who now live in New York.
The other baby went to an amish couple and was raised amish, never knowing but suspecting she was just not like her siblings.
The letter when opened told of the doctors mistake and how the women were living with the wrong set of parents.
Reading this story and seeing the young women meet and learn about their "Real Parents" is quite a story...you will want to read this and see how both families figures out what the rest of their lives will hold.
November 21, 2012
Two families find out that their 30 year old daughters were accidently switched at birth. One family Amish and one upscale New Yorkers, as well as their daughters, must face the ramifications of learning about the switch.
This book had a well written story line but rather predictable plot. I would also swear I have read this same plotline in another Amish novel but can't recall it.
This book had a well written story line but rather predictable plot. I would also swear I have read this same plotline in another Amish novel but can't recall it.
July 17, 2015
Wow, this book is just full of surprises !
December 26, 2023
Loved this book, very cozy, and way more powerful than expected--and more than it should be! ;) I thought the characters navigated their situation very thoughtfully, tactfully, and with plenty of suspense.
Only two small issues; the daughter, Katie, is eleven years old but speaks like/uses the language of a 6-7 year old. It is quite odd and compromises the narrative. Not a huge problem.
Even less of an issue was more of missed opportunity. Several times in the first act the two Rachels question whether they will be friends, or have any sort of relationship. Like Chekhov's gun, this feels like a setup for something greater, yet at no point during the third act or Christmas supper do either of them use the word "sister," which I'm sure many readers were expecting. Though they aren't originally or biologically sisters, because they share parents (in multiple senses), they very much are sisters, and in many respects I believe the book teased that sentiment and failed to deliver. Not a problem, like I said, but that would've added a whole star in itself.
Thirdly, and again not major, I felt the romantic element was totally unnecessary. It felt shoehorned in, like more of an afterthought request by the publisher than an original part of the narrative. I realize it is a common trope of the genre but it felt like a hard distraction to the much more interesting plot at hand.
Overall it was a beautiful read, and a welcome part of my Christmas this year.
Only two small issues; the daughter, Katie, is eleven years old but speaks like/uses the language of a 6-7 year old. It is quite odd and compromises the narrative. Not a huge problem.
Even less of an issue was more of missed opportunity. Several times in the first act the two Rachels question whether they will be friends, or have any sort of relationship. Like Chekhov's gun, this feels like a setup for something greater, yet at no point during the third act or Christmas supper do either of them use the word "sister," which I'm sure many readers were expecting. Though they aren't originally or biologically sisters, because they share parents (in multiple senses), they very much are sisters, and in many respects I believe the book teased that sentiment and failed to deliver. Not a problem, like I said, but that would've added a whole star in itself.
Thirdly, and again not major, I felt the romantic element was totally unnecessary. It felt shoehorned in, like more of an afterthought request by the publisher than an original part of the narrative. I realize it is a common trope of the genre but it felt like a hard distraction to the much more interesting plot at hand.
Overall it was a beautiful read, and a welcome part of my Christmas this year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
Wow. Just wow.
It's been a while since I have read an amish book and my selection of Christmas books on my paperwhite was getting thin. I decided surely I could read this and it might not be too bad.
So chapter one starts and talks about Rachel Yoder (aren't all amish girls named Rachel Yoder? yawn.) and her little life situation. She has a daughter named Katie Yoder. (I was wrong. Only half of the amish girls are named Rachel Yoder, the other half are named Katie Yoder. double yawn.)
Then chapter two talks all about Ellie Lawrence in a big exciting job in big exciting NY and so I'm thinking, "Ok, this is going to be one of those where something happens and fancy Ellie has to go to Lancaster and learn how to do amish things ... blah blah ... "
Then chapter three starts and talks about an old nurse who married a doctor and the life they had, but on one fateful night everything changed, when THE DOCTOR SENT HOME THE WRONG BABY WITH THE WRONG PARENTS!!! Now for some of you that may start another snoozefest, but I have to admit once that revelation broke through I was trapped in this book! I could not put it down! I won't give away how Ellie and Rachel - and their birth parents/raised them parents - reacted to this news, but I was enthralled from that point on. I was sad to see it end and while the author has written other books, they are all stand alones. So this is one where I get to decide how I want it all to end ....
It's been a while since I have read an amish book and my selection of Christmas books on my paperwhite was getting thin. I decided surely I could read this and it might not be too bad.
So chapter one starts and talks about Rachel Yoder (aren't all amish girls named Rachel Yoder? yawn.) and her little life situation. She has a daughter named Katie Yoder. (I was wrong. Only half of the amish girls are named Rachel Yoder, the other half are named Katie Yoder. double yawn.)
Then chapter two talks all about Ellie Lawrence in a big exciting job in big exciting NY and so I'm thinking, "Ok, this is going to be one of those where something happens and fancy Ellie has to go to Lancaster and learn how to do amish things ... blah blah ... "
Then chapter three starts and talks about an old nurse who married a doctor and the life they had, but on one fateful night everything changed, when THE DOCTOR SENT HOME THE WRONG BABY WITH THE WRONG PARENTS!!! Now for some of you that may start another snoozefest, but I have to admit once that revelation broke through I was trapped in this book! I could not put it down! I won't give away how Ellie and Rachel - and their birth parents/raised them parents - reacted to this news, but I was enthralled from that point on. I was sad to see it end and while the author has written other books, they are all stand alones. So this is one where I get to decide how I want it all to end ....
January 7, 2019
Some of my favorite passages from the novel:
These people had been working hard for hours without rest-her own fatigue could vouch for that-and now they were taking the time to appreciate the idyllic summer evening. No computers or phones with which to contend, or on which to waste time. Nor, for that matter, any meetings to plan, or clothes to lay out for presentations to be made in the morning. No rushing around. Just being there, together, smelling the perfume of the summer flowers, speaking softly below the darkening sky.
pg. 133
We have each day that we are given, and we must live it as best we can.
pg. 149
I like our house, don't you? Simple, clean. It leaves us free to spend time on what's important.
pg. 163
Two days without a schedule of any kind, and no responsibilities to which she had to attend, had left her restless and a bit anxious.
pg. 173
I suppose we were both committed from the beginning, and we never deviated from that. Neither of us was going to walk out no matter what. We put our hearts and souls into it, you could say, no holding back.
pg. 280
These people had been working hard for hours without rest-her own fatigue could vouch for that-and now they were taking the time to appreciate the idyllic summer evening. No computers or phones with which to contend, or on which to waste time. Nor, for that matter, any meetings to plan, or clothes to lay out for presentations to be made in the morning. No rushing around. Just being there, together, smelling the perfume of the summer flowers, speaking softly below the darkening sky.
pg. 133
We have each day that we are given, and we must live it as best we can.
pg. 149
I like our house, don't you? Simple, clean. It leaves us free to spend time on what's important.
pg. 163
Two days without a schedule of any kind, and no responsibilities to which she had to attend, had left her restless and a bit anxious.
pg. 173
I suppose we were both committed from the beginning, and we never deviated from that. Neither of us was going to walk out no matter what. We put our hearts and souls into it, you could say, no holding back.
pg. 280
December 3, 2023
This is a fun little trifle of a book, centered around a pair of young women who were switched at birth. One went to an Amish couple, the other to a New York city slicker couple. For what it is, it's well-written and engaging. I do feel like I was the victim of bait-and-switch, however. The Christmas part of this didn't come until the last chapter, and it was almost an afterward. The book could have been a third longer with all the things that had to happen between the final two chapters. The relationship between the city-raised woman and her new boss could have been fleshed out more too.
Those are minor complaints for a book that is otherwise thoroughly enjoyable.
Those are minor complaints for a book that is otherwise thoroughly enjoyable.
December 3, 2021
This book started out pretty well, about two young women living completely different lives. Rachel is living in an Amish community, raising her young daughter (her husband died from cancer) and Ellie who is a high-powered advertising vice-president in New York City. Their lives intertwine in when a truth is revealed to the two of them. But the story dragged, especially getting toward the end.
This is NOT a Christmas story. The last chapter takes place on Christmas Day - that's it.
This is NOT a Christmas story. The last chapter takes place on Christmas Day - that's it.
December 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and was glad the story was unique as far as Amish literature goes. However, I was disappointed because I, too, chose to read it because of "Christmas". I persisted but the word "Christmas " didn't appear until the end of the book. The title was misleading. I would have eliminated the Word "Christmas" in the title and substitute a different word like
"Life" or another word. I did like the story line though.
"Life" or another word. I did like the story line though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
Read For:
✓ Amish Life
✓ Lighthearted
✓ Holiday Book
✓ Switched at Birth
✓ Wholesome Characters
˗ˏˋ ★ REVIEW ★ ˎˊ˗
I would have never guessed I liked this book. It isn’t a genre I usually pick up much but I was looking for holiday audiobooks on Libby and thought I’d give it a try. The narrator did a wonderful job at bringing the characters to life. I really enjoyed the cozy and wholesome moments/atmosphere this book had. I also enjoyed that it was light on the romance and focused more or finding new friends and family.
Spice Level: n/a
Angst Level: 💧
POV: First Person
Release Date: 25, October 2011
December 25, 2018
I enjoyed this book although I thought the concept of the story line was a bit preposterous - a tale of being switched at birth at the hospital! The fact that one family is Amish adds an interesting dynamic to finding the truth of one's being. I find the Amish people and their way of life to be very interesting.
It was an easy read, a good read... and I would recommend it!
It was an easy read, a good read... and I would recommend it!
December 30, 2018
Thought at first i may not finish, but that would have been a mistake! Lovely story. A little difficult to get moving but boy did it come together in the end ... and not quite like you might think. This is my 2nd “christmas” book by this author. I probably wont add them to my list of christmas books i read every year, but i will definitely read more by Cynthia Keller in the coming years.
December 14, 2020
This was ok, it definitely a nice, light read.
I think we missed the mark a little bit and I don't know that I would really call this a Christmas story, though.
The story itself was cute, it was about two women who find out they were switched at birth and go through some reflection to figure out what this means for them.
I think we missed the mark a little bit and I don't know that I would really call this a Christmas story, though.
The story itself was cute, it was about two women who find out they were switched at birth and go through some reflection to figure out what this means for them.
December 31, 2024
3.8
This was such an unexpected read. I picked it up to read at Christmas time but it ended up being much better than I anticipated. The book really isn’t Christmasy at all, just the final chapter. My critiques are that I didn’t like the love story portion- it felt super cheesy and not super necessary. I also felt there were a few gaps in the details. Overall I really enjoyed it.
This was such an unexpected read. I picked it up to read at Christmas time but it ended up being much better than I anticipated. The book really isn’t Christmasy at all, just the final chapter. My critiques are that I didn’t like the love story portion- it felt super cheesy and not super necessary. I also felt there were a few gaps in the details. Overall I really enjoyed it.
December 16, 2020
Very nice story. Predictable, but not in a bad or boring way. A few nice twists as well. I cried on the last couple pages because of the way she described everyone's feeling and perspectives. What a crazy thing to live through!
December 31, 2020
This was just a fun little book about 2 babies named Rachel who were born at the same time and switched when they went home with their parents. One went to Lancaster and was Amish and the other went to NYC. I enjoyed the book and it was a fast read.
January 4, 2018
thoroughly enjoyed - wish there were a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews