Twice Blessed

by Barbara Cameron

About Her Sister’s Shadow
Katie and Rosie Stoltzfus work part-time in an Amish store and part-time in Two Peas in a Pod, their own business raising vegetables and fruits and canning them for sale. Although they are identical twins, their personalities are very different: while Katie has always been more outgoing and attractive to boys, Rosie has always felt in her sister’s shadow. It will take an unexpected business opportunity and one very special man to help Rosie see that she’s a unique woman of her own.

About His Brother’s Keeper
Ever since they were boys, Ben Fisher has trailed after his brother, Mark. Ben has always envied Mark because he’s always been more adventurous, but he's even more jealous now that Mark is engaged to Rachel, a woman they both love. When a terrible accident on Christmas Eve results in their mistaken identity, Ben suddenly has an opportunity to create the life he’s always wanted. While everyone believes he is his brother, who’s still in a coma, Ben finally has a chance with Rachel. But how can he realize an opportunity for real happiness if it means deceiving his kin?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Christmas, Fiction, Amish Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 24 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice Blessed is a novella with two Amish Christmas stories in it. The first story revolves around adult female twins and the second story revolves around male adult twins. I have read many Amish books over the years and enjoyed them and this was no exception.I enjoy the spiritual values and the simple Amish life she writes about.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Sister’s Shadow: Identical twins Katie and Rosie Stoltzfus couldn’t be more different: Katie is outgoing and gregarious—so much so that Rosie feels unattractive in comparison and retreats to the background. The girls split their time between working in an Amish store and their own business, Two Peas in a Pod, where they raise and can their own vegetables and fruits. Then an unexpected business opportunity…and one very special man, allows Rosie to see the unique and striking woman God meant for her to be.

My thoughts: Her Sister's Shadow was a sweet romance involving two sisters. Ms. Cameron did a very excellent job writing two very different character personalities, one sister was shy and quiet, the other louder and more outgoing. I liked that the "one very special man" saw Rosie, noticed the differences, and courted her alone. I also liked Daniel who was understanding of Katie and knew when to step back. I enjoyed reading this story. 4 stars.

His Brother’s Keeper: Ben Fisher can’t remember a time when he hasn’t envied Mark, his more adventurous brother. Now that Mark is engaged to Ruth, Ben is more jealous than ever. A terrible accident on Christmas Eve results in mistaken identity with everyone believing Ben is in a coma, when in actuality, it’s Mark. Ben can use this twist of fate to finally have the life he’s always wanted—and with Ruth by his side. But can Ben find real happiness if it means deceiving his brother…and trying to ignore God?

My thoughts: This is a sweet romance involving twin brothers. They both love the same woman and want what the other has. When an accident results with Mark being in a coma, Ben sees the opportunity to date Ruth. I don't like the way the characters lied, especially regarding identity, but it did make for an engaging story that I couldn't put down. 4 stars.

Overall, this is a good collection of two novellas involving twins by talented Amish author Barbara Cameron. Fans will not want to miss these never published before novellas under one delightful cover. This would be a great book to give to the Amish fiction reader on your list.

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved Her Sister's Shadow, but wasn't a thrilled with His Brother's Keeper.

Her Sister's Shadow is all about the shy twin finding her way to happiness and love. There was a lot of really great story in this one. Katie and Rosie were both fun personalities, but completely different. Katie is outgoing and flirty - loves to be in the middle of everything. But Rosie prefers to be at home, working in the garden or kitchen. But they both find a way to find love and happiness in Her Sister's Shadow. They also both get a look at tragedy and people aren't always what they seem - but it works out great in the end. This was my favorite of the two stories.

His Brother's Keeper just didn't have the best trope for me. A twin pretending to be the other one is all fun - when you're kids. But when your twin is in the hospital in a coma, pretending to be him so you can spend time with his fiance is just creepy. Now it starts as a genuine case of mistaken identity, but he doesn't bother to correct anyone. The ending....well it just confused me. Some people knew and they talked about telling other people, and I'm not entirely sure the whole thing came out?

I highly recommend the first story, Her Sister's Shadow, but you can skip His Brother's Keeper.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Sister's Shadow: Twins have always intrigued me. It is so interesting in this novella that Katie and Rosie know when something is wrong with the other. Katie is the one who is a magnet for the young men in the Amish community and Rosie has not even dated any young men yet. So Katie is shocked when her sister takes an interest in Jacob and even more shocked when he returns the interest. This seems rude and hurtful to me as an observer. Obviously, since they are identical twins, Katie doesn't think looks are what is keeping Rosie from dating. Katie thinks that she has the perky, friendly personality and that Rosie....well, doesn't.
I really enjoyed this novella. It is fun, light reading. I love reading novellas as they can be read quickly. I sit a number of hours per week with my mother who is recovering from a massive stroke and is now in a nursing home. So quick reads suit my needs quite well at the present time.
While the two novellas are called Christmas novellas, I felt this novella was lacking in details that made me feel they were Christmas themed. In an Amish Christmas novella, I expect to read of the Amish Christmas traditions which are quite different from those of the English world.
I highly recommend this book to readers of Amish and Christian fiction. I am giving this novella 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

MY REVIEW: His Brother's Keeper: Ben and Mark are not just identical twins; they are best friends.
But they are facing a problem that threatens to drive them apart. They are both in love with Rachel. How on earth can they ever resolve this problem? Neither of them wants to hurt the other and Rachel feels deeply for Ben, but she is engaged to Mark. An accident allows the truth to be revealed but Rachel may not forgive Ben.
While I truly enjoyed this book, I had some moments of confusion when Mark and Ben were hospitalized where I did not know which was which brother. I had to go back through the book to figure it out. This left me feeling a bit undone as I read this novella.
While the two novellas are called Christmas novellas, I felt this novella was lacking in details that made me feel they were Christmas themed. In an Amish Christmas novella, I expect to read of the Amish Christmas traditions which are quite different from those of the English world.
A bonus for readers is the Amish recipes featured at the end of the two novellas that were mentioned in the book as characters made and enjoyed the food created from the recipes.
I do give this novella 4 stars as it captured my attention immediately and drove me to put other things aside to read.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of Amish and Christian fiction.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Abingdon Press.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both stories were super quick reads. I loved that they were both based around twins. A heart-warming, fun read any time of the year.

[Marlene]

How

[Gayla D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two good stories in one book. Loved them both. ❤️

[Gaylina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute stories. I loved reading about the twins!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book! Love a good Amish and Christmas time book so this book was no surprise that it met both expectations. Well put together!

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! "Twice Blessed" is an edge of your seat book grabber!!
Barbara Cameron starts her book "Twice Blessed" out with the first of two novellas ' About Her Sister’s Shadow '.

'About Her Sister’s Shadow' is a story about a set of young, adult, identical twin girls. They have done everything together, and they live and own the home they grew-up in. Everyone gets them mixed up, which gets annoying sometimes, but they have opposite personalities, that do make them individuals; meet Katie and Rosie Stoltzfus. Katie and Rosie have made a business out of their garden harvests called Two Peas in a Pod. They sell their products at their part-time job at an Amish store. The same Amish store where they meet the new bachelor in the area, but which one will be the lucky girl?

"Twice Blessed" closes with the last novella ' About His Brother’s Keeper ', where About Her Sister's Shadow leaves off.

About His Brother’s Keeper< is a story about a set of young, adult, identical twin boys. They too have done everything together, and they live and own the home they grew-up in; meet Mark and Ben Fisher.

Mark and Ben have played the switch-a-roo in school on the teacher and ended up getting caught. They've even loving the same girl, Ruth, who Mark is now engaged to.

Now a terrible accident weeks before Christmas Eve, has landed them in the hospital and neither of them could talk, so when Ben is slowly coming to and hears Ruth call him "Mark", he can't seem to be able to tell her that she's wrong. Will he be too late in telling her the truth?
Or will someone else have a hand in telling the truth of which twin is which?


Let me tell ya, keep either set of twins apart during their novellas was no easy task and I am sure it was not easy for Barbara Cameron either. It was like the twins was trying to play with Barbara, too!, as she was writing their stories. I look forward to reading more of Barbara Cameron's books in the future.




I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice Blessed by Barbara Cameron is two Christian Christmas stories in one book. The first story is Her Sister’s Shadow. Katie and Rosie Stoltzfus are identical twins who live on their family farm. They have started their own business called Two Peas in a Pod. They take the items from their large kitchen garden (also items they buy) to make jams, jellies, and preserves. Katie is the more outgoing sister while Rosie is quieter and prefers working in the garden. Katie has always made the big decisions for the pair. Rosie, though, has decided it is time to live her own life. She would like different things. It will be a test to their relationship, but there will be more strain on their relationship as Rosie finds a beau.

His Brother’s Keeper is the second story in the book. Mark and Ben Fisher are twenty-two years old and they do carpentry work (make beautiful pieces). Mark is engaged to Ruth Stoltzfus (no relation to Katie and Rosie). Ben met Ruth first and fell in love with her. The couple had a little disagreement and Mark was there to comfort Ruth. A few days before Christmas Mark and Ben are doing the last of their deliveries when a snow storm hits. A truck veers over into their lane and they are tossed into a ditch. Neither of them had their wallets in their pockets, so the hospital staff were unable to identify them. Ruth identifies Ben as Mark because he was wearing the gloves she knitted. When Ben wakes up, he does not clear up the dispute. He wants to be able to spend time with Ruth (he loves her). Mark is in a coma. What will happen when Mark wakes up or when Ruth figures it out?

I enjoyed both of these short stories, but they were really too short. The characters were not fully developed and both stories ended abruptly. In the first story we do not get many details on the girls (including their last names). I think an epilogue would have been great to finish off the stories and see what happened after Christmas with the two set of twins. I thought the first book had very little to do with Christmas. It happened before Christmas and some people were doing Christmas shopping, but that was about it. His Brother’s Keepers had more Christmas (took place before and during the holiday season) in it which made it more enjoyable. The book was nicely written and was easy to read (just flowed beautifully). I give Twice Blessed 3.75 out of 5 stars. I just felt that both stories needed a little bit more work (a little more character development and eliminate the abrupt ending).

I received a complimentary copy of Twice Blessed from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

View Into Contemporary Amish Culture

From the two of Barbara Cameron's books I've read so far, I've enjoyed my visits into very present-day Pennsylvania Amish life and culture. Amazon Vine offered me her upcoming Return to Paradise , that's Book 1 of a new Coming Home series, and I look forward to reading it and learning more. These two Christmastime novellas also reveal a little of what it's like to be a twin – zwillingbopplin – almost anywhere. Her Sister's Shadow features a pair of young adult women Katie and Rosie; His Brother's Keeper , Ben and Mark, two young guys. Surprisingly, the parents of both sets of twins recently have died. The reader accompanies each set of twins through a couple of weeks and learns something about cooking and baking, what's on the menu, problem and conflict resolution, degree and types of interaction with non-Amish, "Englisch" neighbors, the place and authority of church.

Amish in these stories have cell phones, eat at regular sit-down restaurants, carefully prepare and display their own home-baked and homespun goods in their shops with tourist tastes in mind. Yet they farm the land, build most of their own furniture and houses, defer not only to scripture but to the ecclesiastical Ordnung that rules and regulates their public social and more private familial interactions. Amish Christians are from the anabaptist traditions that grew out of the radical reformation that believed Martin Luther, John Calvin, et al. did not take their church reforms (nearly) far enough.

At the end of the stories you get five Pennsylvania Dutch recipes to try in your own kitchen, a group discussion guide that would be helpful for a book club or church group, and a teaser of the first chapter of Return to Paradise that interested me enough to order it. As with Barbara Cameron's Crossroads I longed for photographs or other illustrations, but happily I discovered and started following Pinecraft-Sarasota, a blog that fills that need.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice Blessed by Barbara Cameron is two Amish Christmas novellas in one book. The stories were well done, interesting, and a quick, fun read. They both center around identical twins, and I enjoyed the stories very much.

Rosie is the shy sister who loves to be out in her garden whereas her twin, Katie, is vivacious, social, and energetic and loves to work at the Amish store in town surrounded by people and the busyness of work. Rosie is usually in the background with guys, but Katie has never had a problem having dates. Consequently, they are both surprised when a new Amish man is attracted to quiet Rosie instead of lively Katie. Will this affect their close relationship?

Mark and Ben are as different as night and day. Mark never has doubts with his faith, is happy-go-lucky, and is considered lazy by many. Ben is the more responsible, moody one with doubts and questions aplenty. While driving home one snowy night, the twins get in a bad wreck with a big truck which leaves Mark in a coma and Ben with some broken bones and bruises. Disoriented when he wakes up, Ben is confused why Ruthie calls him Mark, but too thrilled to be the one "engaged" to her he doesn't tell her the truth until it's too late.

These stories portrayed the love and connection between identical twins very well. I loved the unusual dilemma in the second story, but felt the conflict still wasn't resolved at the end. It would have benefited from another chapter to tie up everything. To me, the stories didn't really have much Christmasiness (<--- That so needs to be a word! Right?!) to them. I wish they did, but regardless I enjoyed them both, and I definitely recommend this book to any Amish fiction fans.

I was given this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

With each story being approximately 140 pages long the author didn’t really have enough time to fully develop her characters but she did have enough time to develop the plots and I think the author just chose not to do so. Don’t expect two Christmas stories –what you will be getting is more of a spanning of the seasons, starting with spring (the traditional strawberry picking season) with “Her Sister’s Shadow” and culminating with Christmas in “His Brother’s Keeper”. It was an awkwardly written spanning of the seasons and you never really knew where you stood.

The idea behind this novel is a good one –how does it really feel to be part of a twin and is more difficult for Amish twins when they don’t really have the ability to separate from their twin like Englishers do (college, jobs etc)
Each novella does give us a start and a finish – it is the middle of each novella that I have issues with. There was a lot of repetition instead of development. There is a lot of discussion on food instead of more plot or character development.

Each novella got a ‘happily ever after’ but not each character does. The novella - His Brother’s Keeper deals with an even more important issue and that is one of being a liar…even if the reason is sort of a good one (actually only in the characters mind would his reason of lying be a good one!)

These are not what some of us would consider traditional Amish – they use cell phones and iPods. But I can see this leniency easier when I meet the Bishop and read about his youthful hijinks.
My biggest problem is trying to keep Mark and Ben straight and keeping their character differences straight.

Not a bad read, but not one that I would re-read on a regular basis.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice Blessed includes two Amish Christmas stories with adult twins in each story. Her Sister's Shadow is a delightful story about Katie and Rosie Stoltzfus. This tale is a story of love, faith and emotionally captivating as you read how the twins find strength, love, and a life of their own own without Rosie feeling like she was Katie's shadow. You'll have to read this novella to see who gives Rosie an opportunity to be the special young lady she is.

His Brother's Keeper is about Mark and Ben Fisher. Mark and Ben have cared for the same young lady, Ruth. However, Mark became engaged to Ruth after Ben had an argument with her. The twins are in a tragic accident and it looks like one them will not survive. Who is going to be the husband of Ruth after the accident? Take the time to read this novella filled with suspense, love, and surprises as you will laugh and cry. Twice Blessed is a five star book. I won this book from Barbara Cameron in a contest and was not require to do a reivew. I wanted to write this review as Twice Blessed is a captivating book with two great novellas involving twins. Barbara captured the true characteristics of twins in these tales.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick! Grab a seat! Grab Coffee or your favorite drink and get ready to read "Twice Blessed." You'll be on the edge of your seat the whole way through as you read both of these short Novella's by Barbara Cameron.

"About Her Sister's Shadow" went incredibly fast. I couldn't believe how the pages were turning as I was reading about identical twin girls who everyone gets mixed up, yet they live on their own. Rosie and Katie Stoltzfus have a business out of their garden harvest in a store called "Two Peas in A Pod." Will these two girls be lucky and find love or will only one find love?

The Second Novella is titled "His Brother's Keeper" and leaves the reader where "Sister's Shadow" left off. Again, this is about a set of twin brothers named Mark and Ben Fisher. A terrible accident has landed one of the brothers into the hospital, which has caused a bunch of chaos as one of the brothers is engaged to Ruth. This is a very interesting read. I won't give any spoiler alerts here!

Two novella's on twins that you won't want to miss! I loved this book highly recommend it! SO good! Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

[Lynne Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, which contained 2 novellas about twins and the problems of the heart that can arise between them. The sub title says this is an Amish Christmas story. I felt Christmas was a little overshadowed in both stories by the story line itself. I have to admit I liked the second story better than the first but only because it held my interest better. Both stories are good and very much worth the read if you are looking for a light Amish story.

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. It is a great book for a cold, stormy night by the fire.
I was given a copy of this book by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

In these two novellas, author Barbara Cameron explores the connection between siblings, but especially between twins. I really connected with the characters in Her Sister's Shadow because the bond between sisters, being close but not always agreeing, is captured so well here.

His Brother's Keeper was also a sweet read with Ben pretending to be his brother to be close to the woman he loves. The motivations of Ben were shown so well.


I was provided with a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my absolutely favorite times of the year is in October when the new Christmas Romance novels are released. Yep, it's that time of year so grab your favorite beverage, some cookies and settle down for some great reading!

Twice Blessed by Barbara Cameron contains two Amish holiday romances that allow for a relaxing and enjoyable read. It's the perfect way to enjoy an early start for the upcoming holiday season!

If you love Christmas and Amish romance ... this book is for you!

Thank you to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for a free book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Barabra Cameron book and it will not be my last. Twice Blessed was a wonderful duo/ Christmas story about two sets of Amish twins that will warm your heart. Barbara does a wonderful job at drawing you into the story and bring it to reality as if you are walking the path with the characters. I would recommend this book very much so.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Twice Blessed very much It was a quick, easy read. It is two stories that centers around twins, their differences and similarities. It details life in the Amish community and what a family unit they are.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two delightful stories in one book about two different set of twins. Wonderfully written and will have you wanting to finish each book. Won't give you any details about this book as it will give it away. First book is about finding love and second is about not giving up on love. I loved each one.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice Blessed is a collection of two Amish Christmas novellas. I enjoyed them both and would recommend the collection.
4 1/2 stars.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but I truly did not like this novel. Both stories seemed forced and I was not interested from the beginning.