First Love at Christmas: Amish Dreams on Prince Edward Island, Book 2

Amish of Prince Edward Island #0.5

by Amy Grochowski

Every so often, first love lasts a lifetime—and what seems impossible is made possible with God.

Mattie Beller is confident God’s plan for her life does not include marriage—ever. Her poor health has kept her an outsider, even in her close-knit Amish community. But when a visitor comes to the New Hope church district for the Christmas season, Mattie’s ideas about her future are turned upside down.

Amid a growing concern over her twin brother’s choices, even as her own heart tugs in two very different directions, Mattie learns that love comes in unexpected ways and can be a truly wonderful thing.

This is an expanded second edition, previously published as The Christmas Visitor by Amy Grochowski

Genres: Amish

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Amy Grochowski's appreciation for the Amish faith and way of life stems from six years of living and working with a Beachy Amish family, as well as her own Anabaptist roots. After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream as an author of inspirational romance. She lives in the bustling foothills of North Carolina with her husband and two sons, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder. Learn more at amygrochowski.com or follow Amy on Facebook.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeeepp -- I was so excited to get back to PEI and this fledgling Amish community! I read the first book, 'Forever Home', a few weeks ago and about squealed the house down when I discovered there's a follow up Christmas novella. Different main characters, but we get glimpses of Lydia and Joel from the first book. That being said, you could definitely read this novella out of order. It takes place about a year after the first book. And it features another school Christmas performance which was fun.

Despite the shorter word count, Grochowksi has managed to deliver a complex, emotionally charged and captivating read. She captures the stuttering starts of romance with all the insecurities and emotional ups and downs. Loved the way this hero and heroine complement each other...even if they don't see it right from the start. :-) And it leaves the Beller family in quite a conundrum at the end so I'm hoping for more books in the series as we have left some of the characters with dangling story threads! No worries though, Mattie and her beau enjoy a divine happily-ever-after ending.

https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot rant and rave more about Amy Grochowski!! She did it once again!! Transported me back to Amish country in Prince Edward island and not only did I get to "see" past characters but she introduced me to some new ones!! This story focuses on Mattie Beller who battles with asthma and doesn't know yet what God's calling is for her life and for the community. She is friends with Lydia whose cousin Winston comes from Pennsylvania to visit and immediately notices Mattie.

The love story between Mattie and Winston is beautiful. He "sees" her in a way that she doesn't see herself. He builds her up and provides confidence where she lacks it, which is interesting to do in an Amish communities where there are boundaries on what they are allowed to do but somehow they manage and its amazing!

Amy also introduces us to other characters like Mark, Mattie's twin brother and Ellen the former school teacher. I would love to know more about them and hope we see them in future stories. It would be great to know what happens to them. I wish I could tell you more but it would spoil it for you and I don't want to do that. However you should really get this story and the other one in the series and enjoy them!!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are my own

[Laurel Blount · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this novella! After reading Forever Home by Amy Grochowski, I was eager to read more Amish stories set on beautiful Prince Edward Island. What an unexpected delight to have this Christmas story release early! I loved the sweet romance blooming between Mattie and Winston, and since Amy Grochowski has such a knack for weaving vivid details into her writing, she pulled me into every scene. And--bonus--her secondary characters were every bit as well written as the hero and heroine. I'm really hoping to see some of them featured in future romances! (Especially Mark!) Well done!!

[Anna Caranci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story from Amy Grochowski! These books have brought such a sense of peace to me as I read. They are uplifting, challenging to my walk with the Lord, and pure enjoyment. The characters are relatable and I get drawn in from the beginning, excited to see how their story unfolds. I was sad when I finished reading because I just wanted more! Eagerly awaiting more stories, Amy!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!! Now I am looking for a sequel.. This author has a way of capturing reality and romance

What a sweet book.. There must be a sequel coming (I hope).. Loved the book and am hoping for more to come.. Well done!

[Linda Klager · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story, but there were typos in this book - one that really stood out was an incorrect quote from the Holy Bible. One should never do that!

I would have given more stars, but could not ignore these things.

[Linda Lou Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The plot line is great and moves along well. The characters seem like my good friends that live down the road a piece. Amy intertwines uplifting themes that are sure to inspire you. I hated to see the book end.

[Jo Budden · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

This book really should be listed as 1.5 in a reading list rather than as a prequel so that caused me a little confusion to start with having read the precis of this author's other PEI Amish novels.

I was further confused because Winston, MMC states categorically he only wants to be friends blah blah & within a couple of pages is suddenly enamoured with Mattie, FMC? I know novellas have to move quickly but there was no light bulb moment although some of this may be related back to the fact I read the book out of order.

[Sterling N Beavers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cold winter with a Warm Heart

A very capturing episode into a deep snowy winter on PEI. It moves quickly with great expressions of love and relationships. I wanted more of it. It seemed to stop short.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great snow romp
Winston and Mattie were meant for each other from jump but it takes the whole story to get them together. The author is also very good at running side stories also.

[Jackalyn]

A pleasant read, but many problems with typos made it somewhat frustrating to read. The book should have been proofread before it was released to the public.

[Elyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, I love this series. I love the sexual tension not found in other Amish romances. I love New Hope and the look at the more liberal side of Amish life. My only wish was that there'd be more of Lydia, Joel, and Samy.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Amish Christmas novella set on Prince Edward Island in Canada. The author has done a fine job of bringing the story of a small group of characters to life through her descriptive writing. The story is filled with the ups and downs of real life in a small Amish community. As always, I especially loved to read about the heartfelt Christmas traditions and customs of the Amish.

The story was sprinkled with scriptures and examples of faith at work in the lives of the main characters. Kindness, friendship, family, faith, and sacrifice were the themes woven throughout this story.

Highly-recommended for fans of Amish/Christian fiction, Amish/Christian romance, and Christmas stories.

I received a digital copy of this novella courtesy of the author. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

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** This story is completely clean in language and content. :0}

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[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely feel-good Christmas story set on Prince Edward Island in Canada. It follows the story of quiet, shy, Mattie Beller and Winston, the cousin of local school teacher, Ellen Miller. Amish man, Winston, has decided to relocate to the island and buy land and settle there. He is considering this before even meeting Mattie but once he meets her and sees the way she reacts with her family, her respectful, hard work and relationship with animals and children, he is lost to her charms. Then, when Ellen leaves the island suddenly and Winston with her and Mattie is chosen to replace Ellen as a school teacher, she feels all is lost. But is it? Read it and find out. A good introduction to the Amish way of life but I would have preferred more description about the way of life and the island too.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novella bridging two of Author Amy Grochowski Prince Edward Island books, it could easily be read as a stand alone. But I would recommend reading book one, Forever Home, as we see a glimpse of old friends in The Christmas Visitor.

I read this on a hot summer day, because I can always read Christmas stories. I was enthralled from the first page. Grochowski does a really good job of bringing her characters to life. I could sense the concern, the feeling of not belonging, and then the hope that radiated from Mattie. I think she and I could be good friends! When a visitor shows up, the story ramps up, the pace becomes a bit quicker, and I was anxious to see what would happen.

If you’ve ever wondered about the Amish on PEI, I highly recommend reading The Christmas Visitor. You won’t be disappointed.

[Susie Sellner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this charming Christmas novella set on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Twins Mattie Beller and her brother Matt both seek the Lord's will concerning their futures. Mattie has been asked to become the teacher at the local Amish school, and yet she has developed feelings for a visitor to the island and wonders how that relationship will progress. Both Mattie and Matt fear that their parents will not be pleased with their choices. The resolution of Mattie's dilemma provides an extremely satisfying ending.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy is a new author for me. I like to give new Amish Fiction authors a shot and I am so glad that I did. The characters, storyline and setting is beyond what I could have imagined. Teaching us God is in control and to have faith.

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glade I read this one

The characters are great and the story line was beautiful. To see the story line and revisit this place and get hear about them

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story every bit as much as the first one! Amy Grochowski writes characters that easily find a home in your heart.