His Amish Christmas Surprise: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

by Virginia Wise

A baby caught between her
Amish world…and his Englisch one.

Former Amish John Mast never expected to return to the community he left behind…or to claim a daughter he never knew he had. To give her the life she deserves, John will do anything, even accept help from Leah Stoltzfus. Resigned to a life of loneliness after a disastrous Rumspringa, finding an abandoned baby on her doorstep is Leah’s chance to experience the family she’s always wanted. Soon, unexpected love blossoms as they raise little Abby together. But when a new job opportunity in the Englisch world tempts him, John must decide if Leah is worth returning to the world he turned his back on…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Sisters of Stoneybrook Farm

Book 1: His Amish Christmas Surprise
Book 2: Falling for the Amish Rival

Genres: Christmas, Amish

368 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Virginia Wise is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance. A romantic at heart, she loves a happily ever after. You might find her wandering Lancaster County's Amish country where she enjoys meeting new people who inspire her heartwarming stories. When she's not writing, Virginia enjoys painting, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks in the woods. Visit her online at VirginiaWiseBooks.com.

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing read! Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I know I'll be tired tomorrow, but it was totally worth it!

When John Mast finds out he’s a new father, he's completely thrown off guard. Things get even more complicated when he has to raise baby Abby back in his former Amish community...a place he left behind and had no intention of returning to. Leah offers to help, and John begins questioning his future plans. Leah never wants to settle down (especially not with an Englischer) and he never wanted to stay in the community. Yet, their forced proximity brings them closer, making them question all their plans.

I loved the banter between John and Leah. They were constantly at odds, but their arguing felt more like misplaced anger...John representing past heartbreak, and Leah symbolizing the community that judged him. The tension between them helped them resist their growing feelings for a while... but even as they fought it, they couldn't deny that connection. It was so rewarding to watch the feelings grow, the glances linger, the words left unsaid, loved it!

I gave this 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Carla Bruns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geese, babies, rugged men, and an Amish woman…how could I not say yes to this book? Add in a cozy Amish romance, Christmas cheer, and thoughtful reminders of our Savior’s birth, and this story had my full attention right away.

I love that this book is about Leah, and that Belinda the Goose is on page one. Leah is living with a wounded heart and is afraid of opening herself up again after past pain, despite her desire for a family. John is honorable and steps into his role as a single father without a thought. Even though he no longer attends church, he still talks with God through prayer and trusts Him in the quiet, everyday moments of life. What holds him back most is the fear that he is no longer welcome or seen with grace, which made seeing his Amish faith rekindled especially meaningful.

All of the reminders about the simpler Amish life made me want to slow down and connect with others even more, and it made me long for the days when I sat on the porch with my grandparents.

If you enjoy close proximity, enemies to more, or single parent books, you’ll love this one. It raises the question, “Can fear of rejection keep us from trusting God and stepping into the life He is offering?” For me, the story gently shows that grace, faith, and obedience can lead us back to where we truly belong. I’ll be crushing on this book for a long time to come.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good story of how a baby can bring two people together that so desperately wants happiness.
Leah Stoltzfus thought she had found love during her Rumspringa with an Englisch man. After he left and married another, Leah was broken hearted and declared to all she was not interested in marriage but secretly she longed for a family. Leah’s life changed when she found an abandoned baby on her doorstep. She felt her prayers had been answered until a stranger, former Amish, John Mast appears and claims Abby is his. Not wanting to give up the baby, Leah talks John into moving in with the family so she can help raise her but John would have to live as an Amish man. Can John come back to the simple life or is that asking too much?

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for an excellent read that I really enjoyed.
I finished this sweet story in one evening.
John and Leah were wonderful characters that I loved getting to know along with that sweet baby. I wanted to reach through the pages and hold her so bad. She's what made this story. I loved every minute of it.
Oh yes, it was actually Belinda the goose that really made it the story that it is. She made me giggle at times. I really loved her lol. We need more geese like her lol
Yes, some of it will make you drool. The Amish are excellent cooks. I can vouch for that. "Sigh"
This book will definitely get you into the Christmas season. I know it does me. Makes me want to go and bake something.
I will be thinking about these characters for some time now. I hope we get to read more about them. Such a good story that will make you love this family instantly
My thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Debbie McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finish His Amish Christmas Surprise by Virginia Wise, I give this one a five star review, it was amazing Leah Stoltzfus and her sisters and brother raise goats, and Leah goes outside hears a strange noise a English woman leaves her baby outside the door, Leah is so surprised, as she leaves to go back inside a man tries to grab the baby from Leah, this is my baby, The man name is John Mast, sparks fly, and things get all confused, made me laugh, John ask Leah to watch his newborn Baby Abby while he works, toward the end of the story Abby needs surgery for her Heart, John doesn't think the Amish faith will accept him back in the fold, but all the Amish people rallying to get money to pay for his daughter surgery, John and Leah get married, John felt like a outsider, he joins the faith., Great story

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tis’ always the season for inspirational holiday romance reads and HIS AMISH CHRISTMAS SURPRISE was the perfect choice to fulfil this need.

John and Leah are polar opposites in many ways but similar in all the ways that count. When life hands them one hardship after another, they find the strength to overcome the odds and see their way out of it, by following the path of hope and faith. Trust author Virginia Wise to give us a truly special and uplifting read about the power of love, acceptance and community set during the most wonderful time of the year.

Once I started this one, I could not put it down. For lovers of all things good and uplifting, HIS AMISH CHRISTMAS SURPRISE is a must read for you. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Kim Hambleton-Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Amish Christmas Surprise by Virginia Wise is a must-read! It’s the story of a baby abandoned on the porch of an Amish home. Not knowing who the baby belonged to, a young single woman in the home became very protective of the child. The young woman has been hurt by an Englisher in the past and carries that secret with her. Add to the mix an English father who just learned he had a baby but needs someone to help take care of the child so he can still work. They both want what is best for the child but the question is can they work with each other. It was a struggle for them at first but perhaps they were in for a surprise neither of the expected. I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more books by Virginia Wise. #LoveInspired #AmishFiction

[Rylee Wine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed His Amish Christmas Surprise! It had such a sweet, cozy Christmas feeling all the way through. I loved the family moments, the faith, and the way the characters slowly opened up to each other. The surprise parts of the story were really touching, and the message about forgiveness and second chances was beautiful.

It wasn’t as intense as the suspense books I usually read, but it was still a really good, peaceful story that made me feel warm and hopeful. I loved the Christmas setting and how the characters grew closer through love, faith, and unexpected blessings. Definitely a strong 4 stars for me — such a wholesome, comforting read!

[Sue Kemper Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great book. it's about a man John who was forced to leave the Amish as a child. He's been living in the English world ever since. Than there is Leah an Amish girl who was hurt by an English guy while she was on her rumspinga. She now has closed her heart to men. They meet when a baby gril is left on Leah's family's doorstep . The baby is the daughter of John that he just finds put about. Will love develop between these two? Can John return to the Amish life he once lived? Will Leah open her heart to love? You'll have to read the book to find out!!

[Dianna Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Wise has written another wonderful book about Stoneybrook Farm. Leah Stoltzfus finds a baby girl on the porch of her family's farm. John Mast, who left the Amish community years ago, came to claim the baby girl that he had just found out about.

Leah and John don't see eye to eye on how the baby should be taken taken care of. John wants to take the baby and work in the Amish world. Leah knows he has to have help with taking care of the baby.

Can John and Leah compromise on how to take care of the baby, and will John be able to find his way back to the Amish community.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Stoneybrook Farms and reading Leah's and John's story. They had almost an instant attraction to each other but they both fought hard not to give into it. Leah was afraid to give her heart to another Englisher and John needed to decide whether to stay an Englisher or go back to being Amish. Baby Abby was a good reason for both of them to find their way to each other and have their happily ever after. I look forward to reading more of the Sisters of Stoneybrook Farms series.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that will melt your heart! Christmas “surprise” is an understatement! Will John’s decision to return to the Amish faith fall solely on one particular lady’s shoulders? Or on acceptance from the Amish community? Can the walls encasing Leah’s heart crumble and trust once again be her fortress? And let’s not forget Belinda, the guard goose, continuing to ensure everyone remains on their best behavior! Entertaining, inspiring!

[Sherrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very heartwarming book! I really enjoyed learning how the Amish from near and afar come together to help one another. It also tells how Leah Stoltzfus and John Mast have to learn to trust again before they can fall in love. I highly recommend this book! I feel that you will enjoy it as much as I did. 😁

[Janet Nush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading "His Amish Christmas Surprise" by Virginia Wise. All I can say is: Wow! What a great read! This book is the first story in her new series called Sisters of Stoneybrook Farm. I can't wait to read the next book in this series! If you love reading Amish fiction, I guarantee you will love reading this book by Virginia Wise!

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

A lovely and heartwarming story of love, faith, forgiveness, family, second chances, and new beginnings. A sweet baby girl and the Christmas season brought an extra special touch to Leah and John's story.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amish & Mennonite, Holiday Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Sisters of Stoneybrook Farm (Book #1)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amish & Mennonite, Holiday Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Sisters of Stoneybrook Farm (Book #1)

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Amish Christmas Surprise by Virginia Wise. First book in her series, Sisters of Stoneybrook Farm. This is Leah and John’s story. Learning to trust again and finding a place to belong and to be accepted makes for a wonderful Christmas book. Leah,” Don’t ask too many questions around Christmas” wonderful heartwarming Christian Romance. You won’t want to put it down. I received this Arc and this is my honest review.

[K H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new author for me.

I mainly got it because it was a Christmas book and it was a great book.

It was heartwarming and just a good story about having choices to make.

[Linda Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like stories about families coming together in unusual ways, this one is for you. John and Leah were both relatable characters, and I was entertained by their love story.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book!!

Exactly how you want a book to be! Great storyline and perfect ending that eased the reader into the finale.

[Jackalyn]

Very good story line.

[Mrs. Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of hope, forgiveness, and finding support where it is least expected.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4. Not my favorite but wasn’t bad. Only thing that bugged me was a couple moments it didn’t read like a regular fiction set in an Amish community to me. Which was odd. Might just be me. 🤷🏼‍♀️