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Mary's Christmas Goodbye
Mary Stoltzfus is thirty years old, splashed with freckles, and unmarried. In her Amish world, that qualifies her to be called an old maid. She is living her quiet schoolteacher life in the Lancaster County Amish community when she gets a surprising invitation in the mail one day. Would she come to Montana to teach?
Of course not, she decides, fully at home in eastern Pennsylvania, where she can go out to eat in dozens of restaurants, do her laundry in a newfangled washer that’s powered by compressed air, and hire a driver if she wants to go farther than her horse and buggy can comfortably take her. What is there to do in Montana, she sniffs.
But soon she becomes annoyed by the cracks in the floor of her one-room schoolhouse, the noise of the nearby road, and the two eighth-grade boys who try to make toilet paper cigarettes and nearly burn down the privy.
Before long, Mary is on Amtrak, “just to take care of her curiosity,” she explains to her mother. She arrives at a desolate station and meets Arthur Bontrager, who had signed the invitation and has come to introduce her to Beaver Creek School, dirt roads, and the fancy shed where she would live. When she settles into this world of mountain ranges and pine-tree majesty, her old buried questions—about why no man had ever been her match—have come along to live with her. After she’s injured by wild dogs on her walk home from school, Mary faces new questions. Is she weak if she accepts a Bouvier des Flandres dog from Arthur’s friend? Who is the young woman in the photo at Arthur’s house? And why does she suddenly care? Does she really belong back in Lancaster?
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Of course not, she decides, fully at home in eastern Pennsylvania, where she can go out to eat in dozens of restaurants, do her laundry in a newfangled washer that’s powered by compressed air, and hire a driver if she wants to go farther than her horse and buggy can comfortably take her. What is there to do in Montana, she sniffs.
But soon she becomes annoyed by the cracks in the floor of her one-room schoolhouse, the noise of the nearby road, and the two eighth-grade boys who try to make toilet paper cigarettes and nearly burn down the privy.
Before long, Mary is on Amtrak, “just to take care of her curiosity,” she explains to her mother. She arrives at a desolate station and meets Arthur Bontrager, who had signed the invitation and has come to introduce her to Beaver Creek School, dirt roads, and the fancy shed where she would live. When she settles into this world of mountain ranges and pine-tree majesty, her old buried questions—about why no man had ever been her match—have come along to live with her. After she’s injured by wild dogs on her walk home from school, Mary faces new questions. Is she weak if she accepts a Bouvier des Flandres dog from Arthur’s friend? Who is the young woman in the photo at Arthur’s house? And why does she suddenly care? Does she really belong back in Lancaster?
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
63 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Linda Byler
84 books226 followersLinda 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 25, 2024
What an easy book to read and enjoy. I liked the short chapters and the characters were good too. Mary was funny at times she found love unexpectedly.
December 11, 2017
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Mary Stoltzfus, splashed with freckles, is thirty years old and unmarried. In her Amish world, that qualifies her to be called an old maid. She is living her quiet schoolteacher life in the Lancaster County Amish community when she gets a surprising invitation in the mail. Would she come to Montana to teach? Before long, Mary is on Amtrak, "just to take care of her curiosity," she explains to her mother.
She arrives at a desolate station and meets Arthur Bontrager, who soon raises her old buried question as to why no man has ever been her match. Who is the young woman in the photo at Arthur's house? And why does Mary suddenly care? Does she really belong back in Lancaster?
MY REVIEW
A great short book for Christmas, I have read a few of Linda's books now and enjoyed each one. I think there are a lot of people who know how Mary feels, never pretty enough, not interesting enough to overcome your shortcomings, yet seem to be content with your life and unconsciously push people away but still have a lot of friends with people who look up to you at the same time.
Mary Stoltzfus, splashed with freckles, is thirty years old and unmarried. In her Amish world, that qualifies her to be called an old maid. She is living her quiet schoolteacher life in the Lancaster County Amish community when she gets a surprising invitation in the mail. Would she come to Montana to teach? Before long, Mary is on Amtrak, "just to take care of her curiosity," she explains to her mother.
She arrives at a desolate station and meets Arthur Bontrager, who soon raises her old buried question as to why no man has ever been her match. Who is the young woman in the photo at Arthur's house? And why does Mary suddenly care? Does she really belong back in Lancaster?
MY REVIEW
A great short book for Christmas, I have read a few of Linda's books now and enjoyed each one. I think there are a lot of people who know how Mary feels, never pretty enough, not interesting enough to overcome your shortcomings, yet seem to be content with your life and unconsciously push people away but still have a lot of friends with people who look up to you at the same time.
December 9, 2019
Mary Stoltzfus is Amish, she lives in Lancaster county. She has lived there all of her 30 years. She in single and a teacher. She is offered a teaching job in Montana. she meets Arthur Bontrager, he takes her to her to a small home where she is to live. She is homesick for her family alone in country side that has wolves and other wild animals. Although she does not like dogs Arthur gives her a large dog to protect her. She feels like a fish out of water where she lives and also believes she will live out her life as an old mail. but can life can turns she may not see? Do not want to give spoilers but liked this sweet romance story.
January 20, 2018
It's never too late to find love
Mary Stoltfus is a 30 y/o "Old maid" . She has been the school teacher for 12 years and had resigned this is her fate in life. She understands she doesn't have the physical features to attract anyone and is glad she has the school children to love. She receives a letter from Arthur Bontrager in Montana and asks if she will come teach in the school there. There are many problems and they need her experience. After pondering this request. she decided to leave Lancaster Co and give it a try. After all she can always come back home. Her parents agree she needs to satisfy her curiosity.
When she arrives in Montana she finds a desolate station and much open country. This is not Lancaster, PA with its amenities and close neighbors. Arthur Bontrager meets her at the station and Mary wonders what she has gotten herself into. Can Mary adjust? Who is this Arthur Bontrager and who is the picture of the girl on his table. Will Mary find a man who will love her and then can she let that man into heart her guarded heart?
Mary Stoltfus is a 30 y/o "Old maid" . She has been the school teacher for 12 years and had resigned this is her fate in life. She understands she doesn't have the physical features to attract anyone and is glad she has the school children to love. She receives a letter from Arthur Bontrager in Montana and asks if she will come teach in the school there. There are many problems and they need her experience. After pondering this request. she decided to leave Lancaster Co and give it a try. After all she can always come back home. Her parents agree she needs to satisfy her curiosity.
When she arrives in Montana she finds a desolate station and much open country. This is not Lancaster, PA with its amenities and close neighbors. Arthur Bontrager meets her at the station and Mary wonders what she has gotten herself into. Can Mary adjust? Who is this Arthur Bontrager and who is the picture of the girl on his table. Will Mary find a man who will love her and then can she let that man into heart her guarded heart?
December 25, 2020
It follows the typical romance formula. The couple meets, the reader knows they'll end up together, but the pages in between are all about how one or the other of the two doesn't believe it will ever work and the infuriating lack of communication ensues. However, it was a light read for the holiday season.
December 2, 2016
Mary's Christmas Goodbye is a wonderful story written By Linda Byler. The author gives great visuals for the area in which this story takes place and also each of the characters.
When Mary accepts an invitation to teach in Montana she packs up her belongings and catches the train out of Lancaster County. Mary is at the age where she is considered to be an old maid but 30 years old is not old. When Mary arrives in Montana she is curious of this new environment where the farms are many miles apart.
Arthur Bontrager is the man sent to pick her up at the train station and she quickly learns he is her closest neighbor and also a man of mystery. When she is invited to Arthur's home for meal her first night there she is shocked at how well his home looks and how well he can cook. While there Mary sees a photograph of a young lady and starts coming up with all kinds of sceneries as to who she is. As Arthur and Mary get to know each other in the coming weeks Mary finds she is dependant on Arthur for many things including saving her life from a wild fog attack on her way home from school. This is a story that I highly recommend to those who like the Amish genre and alittle mystery.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. The opinions and statements are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five for a wonderful book which I really enjoyed. Congratulations to Linda Byler on another wonderful book.
When Mary accepts an invitation to teach in Montana she packs up her belongings and catches the train out of Lancaster County. Mary is at the age where she is considered to be an old maid but 30 years old is not old. When Mary arrives in Montana she is curious of this new environment where the farms are many miles apart.
Arthur Bontrager is the man sent to pick her up at the train station and she quickly learns he is her closest neighbor and also a man of mystery. When she is invited to Arthur's home for meal her first night there she is shocked at how well his home looks and how well he can cook. While there Mary sees a photograph of a young lady and starts coming up with all kinds of sceneries as to who she is. As Arthur and Mary get to know each other in the coming weeks Mary finds she is dependant on Arthur for many things including saving her life from a wild fog attack on her way home from school. This is a story that I highly recommend to those who like the Amish genre and alittle mystery.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. The opinions and statements are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five for a wonderful book which I really enjoyed. Congratulations to Linda Byler on another wonderful book.
January 26, 2016
I borrowed this one from the library.
Mary moves from her safe home in Pennsylvania to the wilds of Montana to help a school. Mary of course like most of us doesn't care for all the changes and is convinced she is meant to be an Old Maid forever and has grown used to her life. Enter into her life Arthur and Sam, how do these two change things and are they for the better.
Story was a nice story but seemed a bit jumpy to me and sometimes seemed disconnected from the page before.
Mary moves from her safe home in Pennsylvania to the wilds of Montana to help a school. Mary of course like most of us doesn't care for all the changes and is convinced she is meant to be an Old Maid forever and has grown used to her life. Enter into her life Arthur and Sam, how do these two change things and are they for the better.
Story was a nice story but seemed a bit jumpy to me and sometimes seemed disconnected from the page before.
August 11, 2021
On a recent visit with my husband’s aunt, she told me she loves to read, among other things, fiction based in the Amish/Mennonite culture. This book is my first in the genre, chosen because: 1. it is written by a person who is actually Amish, 2. It was available for free with my audible subscription. 3.5 stars for the look into an Amish person’s life (I would’ve like more of this), 2 stars for the story. I got annoyed with Mary and the story was formulaic. 3 stars overall.
December 1, 2015
I simply loved this book. A delightful story of overcoming many fears and falling in love with someone who was not what you expected. Linda has a way a writing that brings a reader into the story line. You will laugh and cry in this book.
November 2, 2017
In Amish terms, Mary Stoltzfuz is an old maid. Thirty years old and no husband or prospects means unmarriageable. Mary has been an excellent teacher in Lancaster, PA for 12 years. Now she has been offered a job in Montana with another Amish community and she decides to go.
The trip to her new home is uneventful. When she arrives she is met by Arthur Bontrager, a wealthy farmer in the Amish community she will join. She likes Arthur immediately but knows she is not marriage material........too ugly, too tall, too much red hair and freckles, so she sets Arthur aside as just a friend who is always there when she needs help.
Mary is a great success as the new school teacher and is happy with her new job but feels she should not get any closer to Arthur who is showing signs of liking her too much. To avoid getting hurt she decides to go home right after the Christmas presentation at her school but plans can change and so does Mary, for the better.
The trip to her new home is uneventful. When she arrives she is met by Arthur Bontrager, a wealthy farmer in the Amish community she will join. She likes Arthur immediately but knows she is not marriage material........too ugly, too tall, too much red hair and freckles, so she sets Arthur aside as just a friend who is always there when she needs help.
Mary is a great success as the new school teacher and is happy with her new job but feels she should not get any closer to Arthur who is showing signs of liking her too much. To avoid getting hurt she decides to go home right after the Christmas presentation at her school but plans can change and so does Mary, for the better.
February 15, 2020
Mary's Christmas Goodbye is a fast reading Amish romance. Mary Stoltzfus, thirty and unmarried accepts a job as a schoolteacher in Montana. Arthur Borntrager meets her at the desolate station and takes her under his wing. She finds the Montana lifestyle vastly different from Lancaster County. Arthur continues to watch over her as she adjusts to life in Montana. The children and their parents are wonderful but she is uncertain by Christmas if she wants to continue on in such a desolate land. A story that can be easily read anytime during the year, with not too much Christmas reference.
December 22, 2024
I have just finished reading Mary’s Christmas Goodbye, shared with me by a friend. This is an older Christmas book written by Linda Byler.
Ms. Byler is an interesting author because she is an active member of the Amish church today. She serves her community as a columnists for the weekly Amish newspaper. She has written several series based on events in her community.
Mary’s Christmas Goodbye is the story of Mary Stoltzfus, an old maid schoolteacher who leaves her home in Lancaster to answer the call to teach in the state of Montana.
The storyline is believable and the characters are realistic.
If you need an additional Christmas read, this is a good one.
Ms. Byler is an interesting author because she is an active member of the Amish church today. She serves her community as a columnists for the weekly Amish newspaper. She has written several series based on events in her community.
Mary’s Christmas Goodbye is the story of Mary Stoltzfus, an old maid schoolteacher who leaves her home in Lancaster to answer the call to teach in the state of Montana.
The storyline is believable and the characters are realistic.
If you need an additional Christmas read, this is a good one.
November 27, 2019
This was my first book by Linda byler and I'm giving it five stars. I don't usually read Amish books but I decided to try because it dealt with Christmas and i enjoy holiday books. This book reminded me of Anne of Green gables, with it's good nature yet still relatable, and in parts, funny.
It is a short read at only 202 pages. I would have liked to have seen a second book about mary, Arthur, and how their life unfolded. She gave just a small glimpse and I wanted more. I would recommend it to friends.
It is a short read at only 202 pages. I would have liked to have seen a second book about mary, Arthur, and how their life unfolded. She gave just a small glimpse and I wanted more. I would recommend it to friends.
February 8, 2021
I wanted a nice little book to read for Christmas, so I ordered this one. Of course, it didn't come until the end of January, and it had very little to do with Christmas. But I liked it. An "old maid" Amish teacher leaves her PA home to teach at an Amish school in the wilds of Montana. She loves her job, her little house, and of course there's that single man involved with the schoolboard who helps her get settled....
January 13, 2023
Mary is thirty years old and unmarried which in her Amish world labels her as an old maid. After teaching for twelve years in her Pennsylvania community she accepts a teaching position in Montana. What she didn't expect was that a man would upset her perfectly organized world where she has everything under control. Refusing to allow romance in her life she is determined to go home for Christmas. Will Arthur be able to convince her that he wants her to stay?
August 11, 2017
I Read this on the kindle
This was a nice story it was a bit different especially with Arthur this wasn't your usual Amish ones as Mary had on occasions stayed in the guest room of Arthur's
Mary leaves home in Lancaster County Pennsylvania to go to Montana must say loved the description of Montana a very enjoyable book
This was a nice story it was a bit different especially with Arthur this wasn't your usual Amish ones as Mary had on occasions stayed in the guest room of Arthur's
Mary leaves home in Lancaster County Pennsylvania to go to Montana must say loved the description of Montana a very enjoyable book
August 26, 2017
Love found in the wilderness
There is always someone out there for each and every one of us. Put it in God's hands and he will delliver. Just give it to God. She was so sure that no one could love her but a surprise job in Montana brought her to her true love and found that she truly was beautiful to the one she loved and to God
There is always someone out there for each and every one of us. Put it in God's hands and he will delliver. Just give it to God. She was so sure that no one could love her but a surprise job in Montana brought her to her true love and found that she truly was beautiful to the one she loved and to God
September 5, 2018
An intriguing quick but happy read.
I love stories about the Amish. Religion is fascinating. This story was about love for others, respect and consideration. Waiting on God and listening for His plan. Good story and good read. It could have had a little more action so I only have it a 3
I love stories about the Amish. Religion is fascinating. This story was about love for others, respect and consideration. Waiting on God and listening for His plan. Good story and good read. It could have had a little more action so I only have it a 3
December 23, 2018
An enjoyable quick read. At 30 Mary is considered an "old Maid" and has decided that she will just be happy being a teacher. Once she moves to Montana and meets Arthur, she thinks maybe there is a chance she could find love. In the few Amish books I have read, this one makes me see the Amish characters a little differently, as she likes buying items at Walmarts and isn't all that ladylike.
December 4, 2020
Cute Amish story. Mary has never known love, never been in a date. She is a teacher who answers a strange letter to teach in a remote location. Why go? She was used to teaching in Lancaster. But she leaves and takes the teaching position and meets the eligible bachelor who she tries not to love, because no one loves a red headed, freckled lady...hahaha.
August 14, 2017
Great story about not giving up hope, it's never too late to find happiness.
Wonderfully written story, author is a great storyteller. Hard to put down. I think I would have left when she was attacked by the dogs.
Wonderfully written story, author is a great storyteller. Hard to put down. I think I would have left when she was attacked by the dogs.
January 1, 2019
An old maid moves to Montana.
Mary becomes discontent with her mundane life in Pennsylvania. She yearns for change. It comes in the form of a letter proceeding a teaching job in Montana.
Mary becomes discontent with her mundane life in Pennsylvania. She yearns for change. It comes in the form of a letter proceeding a teaching job in Montana.
September 22, 2020
Finding love when you least expect it.
This is a lovely story of finding love unexpectedly. When trying to do your best to feel at home in your own skin as well as a new lonely place.
This is a lovely story of finding love unexpectedly. When trying to do your best to feel at home in your own skin as well as a new lonely place.
November 16, 2020
Mary was unbearable... she just complains about everything and then complains that she is supposed to be grateful and BLUGH. The story line itself would be great if it weren't for that terrible main character...
December 17, 2021
To Be Loved
Sweet Amish holiday story. Mary and Arthur are good for each other even though they might not see it. She might not stay an Old Maid after all. The narrator does a great job telling the story.
Sweet Amish holiday story. Mary and Arthur are good for each other even though they might not see it. She might not stay an Old Maid after all. The narrator does a great job telling the story.
December 27, 2021
A perfect holiday read. My first novel by Linda Byler and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story which takes place at Christmastime was filled with the emotions of compassion, love, hope and promise. It was truly a lovely way to end my holiday season, feeling so wonderful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
June 29, 2017
Great story and an easy read. I loved how I could easily visualize the scenery. I was held until the last page.
August 26, 2017
Let God pick!!
Such a sweet love story. When we let God pick who he wants us to spend the rest of our life with,then we will have the best gift from God!!
Such a sweet love story. When we let God pick who he wants us to spend the rest of our life with,then we will have the best gift from God!!
August 25, 2017
As Always
As always, her books don't disappoint. They're rich in action and adventure, as well as whimsical, with funny but realistic characters.
As always, her books don't disappoint. They're rich in action and adventure, as well as whimsical, with funny but realistic characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews