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An Amish Second Christmas

An Amish Second Christmas

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Celebrate Second Christmas, a treasured, lighthearted time of community, with four Amish romances.

“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman

Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.

“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid

Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.



“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins.

“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer

Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.

"Characters in each story are sweet, kind and caring. . . . Each author brings a separate writing style, creating a cozy holiday collection." —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2014

64 people are currently reading
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About the author

Beth Wiseman

136 books1,424 followers
"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.

You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman

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5 stars
266 (43%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny (Reading Envy).
3,876 reviews3,710 followers
December 26, 2018
I wanted something cozy and light for holiday reading and picked this from among the sea of Amish Christmas romance novella collections in Hoopla, since they are apparently a thing. When I give it 4 stars I'm not saying hey guys this is great literature but that it satisfies the requirement for what it is: chaste romance, powered by tight communities full of people who know everything about you, and delicious delicious baked goods.

When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman
This was interesting because it shows a family dealing with grief and an outsider connected to their father.

Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid
Well, I'm a sucker for a good pen pal romance.

A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller
When friendships turn to love... (and Amish people remarry? I had no idea!)

The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer
Amish speed dating ... hint - it involves pie.
Profile Image for Shari Larsen.
436 reviews61 followers
January 1, 2015

The common thread through these 4 novellas is that each one includes the Amish custom of celebrating "Second Christmas", which is the day after Christmas, usually spent visiting friends, family, and neighbors.


When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman is a bit different than your typical Amish story, as it does not focus on a romance; it is a story of a family reconciliation and healing.


Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid is a delightful story about a misdirected package with a letter, and the correspondence and friendship which develops as a result.


In A Gift for Ann Marie by Kathleen Fuller, Anne Marie and Nathaniel, life long best friends will soon be separated when Anne Marie's widowed mother remarries and moves the family to a different state. They both struggle with feelings that their friendship has developed into something more, but will they have the courage to tell each other before it's too late?


My favorite story was the last one, The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer. Even though I am not Amish, I could relate to Esther, the main character, who struggles with shyness and low self esteem. When her mother finally shares her secret recipe for her famous vanilla pie with Esther to bake for an auction, the young man who buys it discovers just how special Esther is.
Profile Image for Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629).
925 reviews41 followers
November 18, 2020
If you have never read an Amish themed book before, and you are interested in doing so, I suggest trying this one. It consists of four short stories; all Christmas themed.

~ When Christmas Comes Home Again - Beth Wiseman: beautiful story about loss and family. Some truly funny moments along with the emotional. I love stories about the Amish, especially those in Lancaster PA as I live close by and often visit. So this is not the first Amish story I have read, but it is the first that threw me for a loop. I never saw this one coming! Well played Ms. Wiseman! Well played!

~ Her Christmas Pen Pal - Ruth Reid: what a sweet (pun intended) love triangle story about a baker and her pen pal and a cabinet maker. Which one does our Amish baker choose? 😉 I’m not telling!

~ A Gift for Anne Marie - Kathleen Fuller: Do you remember the song by Survivor “The Search is Over”? Well, it may, or may not apply to this story. Either way it is a lovely story about friendship.

~ The Christmas Aprons - Tricia Goyer: a cross between The Bachelor/Bachelorette and one of those baking shows...all with an Amish spin of course.

All four are really sweet innocent stories. I loved each one.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews583 followers
November 7, 2017
This is a wonderful collection of holiday-themed stories that Amish fiction fans will love! I enjoyed each story and the characters in them. "When Christmas Comes Again" had a bit of a mystery and I loved the healing that the family went through as they showed compassion instead of holding on to past grudges. "Her Christmas Pen Pal" was a fun twist on You've Got Mail, and the romance was great! "A Gift for Anne Marie" is sweet story of friends who become more when they realize they will be separated. There are other conflicts besides the move, including a friend of Anne Marie's who decides to pursue Nathaniel. The friendship they share is lovely, but when new feelings begin to develop confusion and hesitation enters in and disrupts the harmony they had enjoyed. I love when friends fall in love since they have a great foundation and know each other so well. It was funny to see just how well Nathaniel knew Anne Marie and her moods. "The Christmas Aprons" shows how important community is and reaching out to make friends and share our talents. The romance in this one was especially lovely since Ammon helps Esther see that she is desirable and worthy of romantic love.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Sarah .
549 reviews
January 28, 2015
Please bear with me as I read this back in December before my husband’s passing so while I can say I thoroughly enjoyed these four novellas my memory is a bit rusty with all that has gone on these past few weeks. I’m a huge fan of all four authors and so I can’t tell you which you novella I enjoyed the most because of liking all of their writing when they work solo. If I were to read this again I know that Katherine’s story in “When Christmas Comes Again” due to the fact that she is a widow, and while she was moving toward a new romance I’m not, but the story now resonates with me as a mom of children without a husband. These are romance in theme and so that will be the overarching plot in all four of the novellas – finding love, losing it and finding it again – thankfully all the romance is tame and there is no strong physical descriptions of the romance between couples – there may have been a kiss or two but nothing that made me uncomfortable.

Even though Christmas is over this book is a good one that would be fun to read anytime of the year – especially in the heat of summer when we look forward to some cooler weather! Of course there is nothing wrong with keeping the Christmas spirit alive all year round either – so just another excuse to pick up a great book by four very talented authors. This book also includes a reading group guide and several Old Order Amish recipes for your use and delight – I need to try some of the recipes although I’ll be substituting flax seed for the eggs. Overall, this was a delightful book and one that made a fast read and was so enjoyable that I would definitely recommend it to others.

**I received a copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation has been given.
Profile Image for Brianna Knutson.
89 reviews
December 18, 2023
Not for me. I've never read an "Amish" themed book, and I'll probably never pick one up again. There are so many better books. Not worth the time.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Krispense.
Author 1 book92 followers
December 15, 2025
When Christmas Comes Again: 3 stars
Not bad, not great. Heartwarming but also I'm just not crazy about Amish fiction.

Her Christmas Pen Pal: 4 stars
Really enjoyed this one!! Very cheesy but in a good way. Like a cozy Hallmark movie in book form.

A Gift for Anne Marie: 2 stars
Straight cheese in the form of a love triangle.

The Christmas Aprons: 5 stars
Adorable. Loved the characters SO MUCH.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
516 reviews20 followers
October 10, 2014
When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman

Katherine Zook and her four children are facing their first Christmas without a loved one, and the future seems dim.But when a mysterious "Englisch" man begins to show up in the most unlikely of places, Katherine can t help but be suspicious . . . and a bit curious.
MY Review of When Christmas Comes Again: This book speaks of second chances, forgiveness, and love. I was truly touched by Katherine Zook and her children and when the identity of the mysterious Englischer is revealed, hearts will be moved. I know a great deal about learning to forgive myself and others. It is not always easy to do, but it opens our hearts to freedom. This novella had me in tears, happy tears, but tears none-the-less. It is a special 5 star Christmas novella and one that I believe readers will find special.

Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid

When Joy Stolzfus' boyfriend tells her he wants to court other women, she is shocked.She pours her heart out in a letter, but it mistakenly reaches Noah Esh. The two begin writing letters back and forth, but a misunderstanding threatens to topple the relationship they're building.
My Review of Her Christmas Pen Pal: This novella is so cute. I am sure that many readers have mailed packages and accidentally put a wrong number of portion of an address and when Noah receives the package of cookies Joy accidentally sent to him, things get very interesting. I had several pen pals as a young teenage girl, and was always thrilled to receive a letter or package from my special friend. This novella brought fond memories of that time for me. Reading about all the delicious treats that Joy created made me hungry to do some Christmas baking too. Readers will smile and laugh along with the characters in this 5 star novella.

A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie Smucker's life is pretty perfect. Until she discovers her widowed mother is getting married and they're all moving. On top of that, Anne Marie's relationship with her friend Nathaniel has changed, and she's more confused than ever about her feelings for him.
My Review of A Gift for Anne Marie: Anne Marie is naturally shocked to learn that her widowed mother is going to remarry and plans to move the entire family far away. I have had to move many times in my life and the most difficult was when we moved our young family from Virginia to Texas for seminary. I cried many tears and so I could relate to Anne Marie and her siblings' concerns and fears for moving. Leaving friends and all that is familiar is difficult. Her biggest fear is what will happen to her relationship with her boyfriend, Nathaniel. Readers will thrill at seeing how issues are resolved in this 5 star Christmas novella.

The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer

Esther Glick bakes a Christmas pie for a fundraiser, and she soon finds herself sitting across from bachelor Ammon Schwartz. Esther receives many orders for pies, but when she breaks her wrist, she discovers what community and love are all about.
My Review of The Christmas Aprons: Esther Glick is an amazing baker and people always love her homemade creations. Ammon is no exception when he wins the bid for her Vanilla Crumb pie at the bachelor auction to raise money for the fire department. Esther has a problem though, she worries about what people think of her. She does not think she fits in anywhere. I struggle with many of these same thoughts and so I could relate to Esther but it is a miserable way to live. It makes life lonely and uncertain. Read this 5 star Christmas novella to see what takes place to bring healing for Esther.
I received a print copy of this book from booklookbloggers in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books655 followers
November 4, 2014
“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman

Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.

My thoughts: When Christmas Comes Again wasn't technically a romance, though Katherine's oldest daughter has a beau. It was women's fiction. I enjoyed getting to know Katherine and hearing some of the details of her deceased husband's life--that he didn't even know. I enjoyed reading this story. Ms. Wiseman's writing talents shine with women's fiction.

“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid

Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.

My thoughts: Oh, Her Christmas Pen Pal was a cute book. I totally loved Noah! He was a sweetheart. I appreciated that Joy learned to stand up for herself and that her brother-in-law listened to her somewhat. I felt this story was kind of unfinished, it just ended and nothing was resolved, but it was cute.

“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins.

My thoughts: Another sweet story, and a sigh of contentment when it ended. I loved getting to know this couple and so glad Ms. Fuller wrote this story. Very good. Anne Marie has some growing up to do, but with Nathaniel as her friend I'm sure she will. I didn't like the way Nathaniel mindlessly followed Anne Marie's friend, and glad he finally stood up for what he knew was right.

“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer

Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.

My thoughts: Ah, sweet. I love Ms Goyer's Amish stories set in Montana and I enjoyed getting to know Ammon and Esther. Very sweet romance. I felt bad for Ammon. He has a lot on his plate. I hope to see more Amish books from Ms. Goyer.

Final thoughts: I loved this entire collection. If you love Amish fiction, you won't want to miss this book. Great stories. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,877 reviews209 followers
October 21, 2014
This was a fun set of novellas to read, perfect for Amish fiction fans. These are sweet stories full of love, faith, and happy endings. They are quick reads, since the stories are novellas. However, each story was fully developed with interesting characters and plots. All four stories were good and it is hard to pick a favorite.

There is light romance and a compelling, mysterious stranger in Beth Wiseman’s When Christmas Comes Again. This was a very unique and interesting story to start the collection.

I really enjoyed Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid. My heart ached for Joy as she tried to understand why her boyfriend was no longer interested in her. But God can use all things for good and that is definitely evident in this sweet story that is full of miscommunications and misunderstandings!

Kathleen Fuller’s novella, A Gift for Anne Marie, is probably my favorite of the four. What a heartwarming story about two friends who could be more. I really liked both of these main characters. I admired the way Anne Marie tried her hardest to be happy for others, even when her own heart was breaking.

The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer rounds out this novella collection beautifully. Esther has a lot of growing to do in her understanding of love and community. Ammon is just the man to teach her. This is a sweet and uplifting story.

All four novellas are able to stand alone. The stories are not connected together except for the fact that they all do involve the celebration of Second Christmas. This is a very nice collection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Lindsay.
605 reviews24 followers
December 8, 2014
An Amish Second Christmas In When Christmas Comes Again, Kathleen and her four children are having their first Christmas without a love one. Kathleen starts to see an English man around the town. She receives a package at the door. There some photos in the box. There more to this story and quite a few twist and turns. There seems to be a mystery about this man. The man seem to know what or how some of the feeling of the family. Do they need help or will Kathleen mislead the what going on with her children?
 
In Her Christmas Pen Pal, Joy has to deal with her boyfriend who want to see other women. She starts to write a letter to her cousin. Though it happens it sent to the wrong person. The mystery man writes back to Joy. The Cabinet maker and Joy send letter back and forth with each other. There are twist and turns in this story and has a good mystery in the story as well. Do Noah and Joy get together? This grandmother starts talking to Joy about her grandson. Will Joy find out that the woman was talking about?
 
In A Gift for Anne Marie, Anne Marie wondering about the changes that are coming. She finds out about her mothers letters. When she does she finds out that her mother is getting re-married and they are moving. Anne Marie does not like it at all. She start to feel the changes between her and Nathaniel. Nathaniel does not like the fact that Annie Marie may be moving. Is there anything either can do about it?
 
In The Christmas Aprons, Easter Glick is a nanny for her cousin until her cousin can deal with her baby. While here Easter receives her mother recipe that every popular. She learns what she want to to be accepted for herself and not though the pies she bakes. Will she learn about Love? 
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,229 reviews490 followers
October 7, 2014
An Amish Second Christmas was a quick and enjoyable read. Some of the characters are centered in previous stories from these authors, and made it fun to come home. They all have a continuous theme of the Amish Christmas, the second one, and all have a little surprise to go along with the holiday.
We travel to different communities with the Amish, so we are in various US states, but most of the traditions and religious aspects of these stories tie in beautifully.
How would you feel if someone, you really didn’t know, started following you? Um…very uncomfortable, yes! This happens in one of the stories, and loved how one member after another found the same person. Coincidence? I think not.
Then we have Joy and Henry, and you feel like you want to shove Henry. In the end, it was not our will but Gods, yes he knows what he is doing and we can try to be in charge, but not.
In the third story, Gift for Anne Marie, was rather like you really don’t see what is in front of your face. It takes a real wake up call to make things right, yes and trust in God, with lots of prayer.
In the last story we are back with the bachelors in Montana, and a new twist in the Second Christmas story. This one is based on a secret pie recipe, vanilla crumb, and how it ends up not being a secret. Love how all pull together here, and how we come to accept who we are, and what God’s will is for us.
What a special treat to enjoy for this Christmas season, come and get lost in this one!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Freda Mans-Labianca.
1,294 reviews124 followers
December 18, 2014
When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman, though small in words, packed a big punch. I was laughing, enamored by James, and even shed a tear or two. Great storytelling to get you into the spirit of what Christmas is all about.
Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid, was such a cute story. I was wondering if the pen pals were ever going to come together and am glad I got the answer. Once I learned about the characters, the story happened exactly as I hoped it would go.
A Gift For Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller, is a super sweet story. I'm glad everything worked itself out in this story. Though I now realize the story was another way of showing that God has a plan for us all. I admit, I was worried it wouldn't turn out as it did, but gladly, I worried for nothing. I think Anne Marie and Nathaniel were meant to be and even they knew they would end up together eventually.
The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer, was sweet as pie! Esther and Ammon are the cutest couple ever. Right from the start, everyone, reader included, knows it is meant to be. The reader, the writer, the characters, the story, have symmetry. They flow together perfectly. The messages of faith and love are strongest in this story. Throughout it made me smile often. I love the meaning behind the apron. As I wear mine, it will carry more meaning.

Overall, I love this whole collection of stories. My favorite was When Christmas Comes Again though. It made me cry, that's big. I can't wait to try the recipes in the back of the book too. My mouth is watering over the 'Vanilla Crumb Pie' one... MMM.
Profile Image for Christy.
687 reviews
December 23, 2015
My first Christmas read for the season!! And it was pretty good.

When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman left me a little melancholy and sad; not exactly what I want to feel at Christmas time. The weather is already cold and the days are shorter and I want something stirring in my heart that brings joy instead of grief.

Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid was a light read with a little sass and maybe a little too much confusion for me to settle in and not get aggravated with the characters.

A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller was basically about two people discovering what everybody else already knows while reading the book. This is not usually a favorite of mine but since it was a short read I was able to finish it.

The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer was actually my favorite. I thought it was nice to read about a young lady who was portrayed as not being very beautiful. This was a open story; not what does she think or what does he think nonsense. It was just a nice Christmas read that completely fit the mood I need this time of year!!!

One thing I would have liked to have seen was more diversity in these stories. Christmas reads that encompass more than just a young woman finding love. Amish women of all ages I'm sure struggle with love at different times and stages of their life. I'm also sure that they are not all beautiful to outward appearances but none-the-less important to learn from.
Profile Image for Tima.
1,678 reviews128 followers
November 10, 2014
Four stories by four different authors are all about Christmas. The stories don't seem to connect in any way except the Christmas theme. Each one is about second chances at Christmas time.

I enjoyed each story. They were sweet, romantic (except for the first one), and brought out the real reason for Christmas. My only complaint with the first story was that it felt like it might have been a middle book in a series. There were several details that I felt I had missed and the book ended like another book was following it. But it was still a nice and heartwarming story about forgiveness and family at Christmas. The second story was nice, but there were so many lies and miscommunication that I became frustrated with the two main characters. For a novella, I'd prefer something a bit less complicated. My favorite was the last two stories by Fuller and Goyer. They were great novellas without feeling rushed or incomplete when they ended. The characters were likeable and relatable, the romance was perfect and the stories ended well. All in all, it is the perfect Christmas book to read by a warm fire or to give as a gift.

I received this book free of charge from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Carole Jarvis.
556 reviews58 followers
February 20, 2024
"Her Christmas Pen Pal" by Ruth Reid

The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer
"An apron is a sign of serving others. It's a symbol of feeding the hungry." - Ammon
Profile Image for Sharon Paavola.
253 reviews29 followers
January 12, 2015
What a precious collection of Christmas stories! Each one was unique but captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. The Amish characters drew me in learning about their Christmas celebrations. Four stories with different aspects of life that anyone can relate to and be captivated by. Since they are all short this was a quick read yet I wanted them to go on. Love, friendship, family, and faith float through all of them.

I highly recommend this delightful book, An Amish Second Christmas by four great authors!

I received this ebook from BookLook Bloggers for an honest review which I have given.
Profile Image for Leah.
1,976 reviews
December 14, 2016
I liked three out of four of these stories, which are centered around Second Christmas (Boxing Day). The stories that I like were Her Christmas Pen Pal, which was my favorite story, A Gift for Ann Marie, and The Christmas Aprons. Each of these stories got 4 stars. These were such sweet stories. I liked the main characters, settings, and that each of the stories had a happy ending. Her Christmas Pen Pal and The Christmas Aprons involved baking, which I enjoyed. The story that I didn't like was the first one, When Christmas Comes Again. This story got 2 stars. I didn't like the characters or the story. It was too sad. Overall, this was a fun read.
Profile Image for Barbara.
154 reviews17 followers
December 18, 2014
I love these books... the thread that binds all of the novellas in one binding. Thank you to whomever came up with the idea.

I wish my family could embrace the concept of Second Christmas. Family day on Christmas and visiting the the next day would be wonderful.
Profile Image for Arianna.
7 reviews
June 24, 2025
I am a big fan of the collection of novellas called "An Amish Christmas" by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron, and Kelly Long. So, when I found out about this novella and that Beth Wiseman and Kathleen Fuller contributed their stories once again, I was very excited to read it. I enjoyed this novella overall, but some minor plot details (in 1-2 of the novellas) made me a little annoyed due to how much "slow-burn" was there between the romantic relationships. I enjoyed reading "An Amish Christmas" more than this collection but I do appreciate these stories for what they are. My favorite novella out of this bunch is "When Christmas Comes Again" by Beth Wiseman. I loved the unexpected twists and turns that are revealed about some of the characters.
265 reviews
December 8, 2020
I nearly put this book aside and didn’t finish it after reading the first story and starting the second. I felt like the stories had too much of a negative tone. For context, this is 2020, near Christmas, and the world has been living with a pandemic and contentious political climate for what seems forever. I’m not looking for negative tone in my books too. I’ve leaned heavily on Amish books and their faithful storylines to help me with this stressful time.
Back to the book, I’m glad I stayed with it. I was anxious to finish the last two stories and happy to find recipes in the back of the book.
Profile Image for Iris Miller.
36 reviews
January 3, 2021
I consider this a sequel to An Amish Christmas. (by the same authors) But I would like to point out a major issue to reading them in succession... Lydia gets married twice! Lydia was already widowed but marries David in the first book, and the second has her with some dude in Ohio, her daughter is the same age in both and has the exact same parodox, and her sister Miriam is the exact same in the sequel as in the first.

Otherwise I found it beautiful but cheesy.
420 reviews13 followers
December 27, 2019
Four contemporary Amish romance novellas are included in this holiday collection. As always, the authors offer up fresh and honest characters with a lovely twist of faith. Although this set seems to be a bit more serious than "An Amish Christmas" of 2009, it is still filled with Amish charm and heartfelt romance perfect for a fast Christmas read.
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 12 books166 followers
July 15, 2016
When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman is an Amish tale that will leave readers laughing, crying and falling in love. Christmas is a time for family. For the Amish, they have an event where it's just for family and their memories. I found it quite peaceful and enjoyable to read. A grandfather once left his family because of a crime he witnessed. No one knew why he left the Amish community nor was there time to explain. The danger was at hand. Leaving behind one's family so that they wouldn't be in danger was a gift and a curse. A father never got to really know or be with his father...a wife who also died not knowing the truth. Now, the man's daughter-in-law and her kids are all that's left. Only time will tell if the family can find their peace and happiness.

When Christmas Comes Again is beautifully written. Faith, courage, and hope are strong themes within this story. I was immediately swept up by the humor, sadness, and love. Beth Wiseman's writing is superb. Readers will never want to leave the fictional world in which she created. Highly entertaining, sweet, and full of Christianity. Overall, I highly recommend the story to all.

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Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid is another heart-melting tale. A young woman lost her parents in a night due to a cat knocking over the oil lamp that was left lit for her return home. Since then, she has felt nothing but sorrow. Then her love suddenly stops talking to her. He soon gives her a choice. To marry him and give up the baking or continue baking without him. In a world of hurt, anger, and sadness...Joy writes to her cousin about her troubles and includes a book of her peppermint cookies. Except fate has more plans for the sweet Amish lady. Her box of cookies and letter to her cousin arrive, to a stranger instead. The address was blurry to read due to the wet weather. From there, a pen pal relationship begins between a young Amish man and a young Amish woman. Both have been previously hurt by those they loved. Maybe they will finally find their happiness and love in the end...

Ruth Reid has created a warm and vibrant Christian read. Her Christmas Pen Pal is sad, sweet, and beautiful. The characters melt your heart in so many ways. The story swept me off me feet. I liked how both main characters were portrayed so realistically. The Amish world once again has been well-told. I enjoyed reading this book full of life, loss, and love. Overall, I highly recommend this to all.

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A Gift for Annie Marie by Kathleen Fuller is the third Amish tale inside this exciting book. I am amazed at how well-written the story was. Told in a way that leaves readers feeling all kinds of emotions. From happy to anger, to sad and eventually loved. A young Amish man and woman grew up as best friends. Nathaniel was and has been in love with his best friend for years. Just didn't realize it until she was about to leave him for good. Anne Marie loves being with Nathaniel. Always looks forward to their game nights on a Sunday. However, fate has plans in store for them both. But to complicate things, Anne Marie's pushy friend, Ruth, wants Anne Marie to get Nathaniel to go out with her. Only Nathaniel already has his heart, soul, and mind only on one woman. Anne Marie. It's obvious to everyone around them that the two best friends were meant to be...except neither one knows it until much later on...a sweet romance that lifts readers' spirits and takes them on an unforgettable journey.

Kathleen Fuller in indeed a talented writer. Her words cause the deepest of emotions, to play across her readers' hearts and minds. I found myself completely lost within her tale. It's addictive. I fell in love with the characters and their journey of growth both as friends and as lovers. Overall, I highly recommend this story to all. A Gift for Anne Marie is a must read.

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Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer is the last and final Amish romance Christmas story inside this wonderful book. I loved the tale about delicious baking, hard work, friendship and most of all love. Tricia Goyer's characters leave readers blushing and laughing alone. There's plenty of fun and hope to fill readers' minds. I loved following both Ammon and Esther as they found what they were looking for in life. Their trust and faith in the Lord were inspiring. When things go wrong, they pray and hope for guidance, courage, and help. I couldn't help falling in love with the characters and their dilemmas. Super romantic, sweet, and heart melting.

Christian Aprons is a tale about an Amish man being there to help his mom. A mother who recently had a stroke. While helping his mom, he goes to a fundraiser. There he ends up meeting a super shy, smart, and loving woman. Esther. Esther was told to not share her mother's recipe to anyone. In just a short time, she has a met a good Amish man who gives her hope for the future. Both soon grow closer with each passing day. But only the Lord will show them where their paths lay. Can love conquer all? Tricia Goyer's writing is addictive and will keep readers hooked. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,132 reviews15 followers
December 18, 2017
As Always I love Amish stories and this one didn't fail to meet my expectations. Four novellas by well known Amish writing authors. The stories had a real life feel to them, plenty enough Christmas feel, and kept me interested the whole way through.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,499 reviews
November 29, 2025
A sweet collection of four stories. The first one was definitely a little over-the-top, requiring the reader to suspend disbelief for awhile, but otherwise they are sweet holiday-related Amish romances. A favorite for me this time of year.
Profile Image for Beth Withers.
918 reviews12 followers
December 27, 2025
Four different novellas in one book, all of them having something to do with the day after Christmas, either directly or indirectly. All 4 were enjoyable but as always, very predictable. It made for good light Christmas reading. Probably my favorite was the novella by Beth Wiseman.
Profile Image for Megara.
36 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2017
If you’re looking for a simple, predictable, Christmas-themed, but cozy read for escapism, this just may be the book you’re looking for.
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