Honoring Christmas: A Historical Romance by an Amish Author

by Linda Byler

Amish novelist Linda Byler spins a heartwarming tale set in the early 1800s at Christmastime. It's 1823 and life is not easy for fifteen-year-old Henry. With an alcoholic father and three younger siblings, much of the work of the farm and family life falls on Henry's shoulders. His mother tries her best to provide for them all, but there never seems to be enough food to go around and their home beside the Juniata River in Pennsylvania is hardly up to the task of sheltering them through the cold winter months. As Christmas approaches, Henry feels nothing but bitterness. He is keenly aware of how unfair his lot in life is. When a local Amish family tries to befriend him, he pushes them away, not wanting anyone to know how bad off his family really is. But he can't help being intrigued by their lives. Though not as poor as his own family, they live very simply, and yet the peace and joy they seem to feel is like nothing Henry has ever experienced. And he can't deny that kind and funny Sarah is the prettiest young woman he's ever met. Will he allow his heart to soften? Can love find it's way through his pain and pride? Author Linda Byler is an active member of the Amish church and writes all her novels by hand with a pen and notebook. She offers a unique and fascinating look into Amish history and culture.

Genres: Christmas, Amish, Historical Fiction

295 pages, Library Binding

Published December 11, 2024

About the author

Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off a little rough for me, mainly due to the writing. I continued on mainly because it was so short, and I’m glad I did because each “year” that passed got better and better, and I loved the ending.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For poor families, life was exceeding hard in 1823. It was especially true for Henry, 14, who lives with his parents and 12 siblings. His father found relief in drink, which only increased the burden on the rest of the family. His mother is downtrodden, far older than her years on earth, and the children are malnourished and cold in winter months. One day, his father tells Henry he is leaving the family, and it will be up to Henry to provide for them. Henry is already working at a hotel, taking care of the stable and horses. And so, the burden on his young shoulders increases dramatically. This tender and heartwarming tale is one of hope and belief in God overcoming severe adversity. Yes, terrible things happen in this story, as in real life, but with faith and hard work, as well as relying on the kindness of others, good things will happen too. This is a wonderful and hopeful tale of redemption and goodness, perfect for the Christmas season. Well written by Amish author Linda Byler and peopled with interesting characters, it is highly recommended for readers of Christian fiction.

[Kathryn R · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are two stark errors in the first chapter. First they refer to Henry as being the only one of 13 children to look like "the husband" who is Italian, wife is Irish. Then on the next page the wife says how the baby looks just like HER father - who was Irish.

Next page describes her blue eyes that were once so sparkling and the very next paragraph refers to her red hair and emerald green eyes.

Did anyone proof/edit this? Or am I misreading it?

I wanted to quit reading but had faith that this book would get better. If it had a different title I would have given it a higher rating - however - I was expecting and uplifting (Christmas) and romantic (Amish Romance) book. It was one of the more sad and depressing books I've read. Anyone with trauma in their backgrounds might want to avoid this book as it is filled with abuse and neglect of not only women and children but of animals.

JMHO

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Emilie Marshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good

[PottWab Regional Library]

O