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Little Amish Matchmaker
Simon can't stop thinking about the pretty Amish teacher at the local one-room school. But he's ignored the sparks between them because he's so shy. So Simon's little brother, Isaac, takes matters into his own hands. He's determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever—a date with his favorite teacher. Amish novelist Byler brings her tender humor and skillful observation of family relationships to this holiday story. "I love Isaac's self-confidence and scheming as he prods his reluctant older brother," she smiles knowingly about the characters she's created. Byler takes her reader straight into the Amish world as Isaac is both charmed and annoyed by his too talkative, but quite bright, Mam. He can barely tolerate his little nieces and nephews, who substantially outnumber the grown-ups when the whole family gets together. And he loves his humble circumspect Dat, although he isn't always pleased by how well Isaac sweeps the forebay in the barn. As anticipation for the Christmas program at the schoolhouse builds, Isaac cares for troubled Ruthie who stutters miserably when she practices her poem. And he wonders how much he'll have to help his brother Sim act on his growing affection for Teacher Catherine!
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
157 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Linda Byler
84 books225 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 123 reviews
July 9, 2024
A cute story with a misleading title, and one that is perhaps targeted toward the wrong age group. Because of the point of view, it feels juvenile and simplistic in tone, but with that said, it also brings a bit of lightness to a very innocent and linear story.
Told from the perspective of seventh-grader Isaac Stoltzfus, it's more about his school and home life than any matchmaking. Isaac wishes for his brother, Simon (Sim), to date his schoolteacher, Catherine. In Isaac's eyes, it's all very straightforward and easy, and he urges Sim to talk with Catherine and ask her for a date, but Sim sees it from a more thought-out perspective. Isaac is observant and intelligent; he sees opportunities for natural and ready conversation between Sim and Catherine, but his mistake is not going beyond observation and being encouraging and matchmaking in the moment.
Furthermore, Isaac is very sweet and caring. He shows patience and understanding with his classmate, Ruthie, and a genuine willingness to help her. He has the ability to see past stumbling blocks and imagine solutions and to help people overcome their uncertainties.
The preparations for the school Christmas program were fun to read about from a student's vantage point, and I most enjoyed the chapters detailing the big day. The author does well at communicating all of the emotions felt up to, during, and after the program including the excitement and nerves of the teacher and students, the anticipation over delicious holiday treats, and the relief and happiness over a good performance.
I enjoyed this lighthearted story for what it was and would have given it a higher mark if I had picked it up from the children's section at the library.
Told from the perspective of seventh-grader Isaac Stoltzfus, it's more about his school and home life than any matchmaking. Isaac wishes for his brother, Simon (Sim), to date his schoolteacher, Catherine. In Isaac's eyes, it's all very straightforward and easy, and he urges Sim to talk with Catherine and ask her for a date, but Sim sees it from a more thought-out perspective. Isaac is observant and intelligent; he sees opportunities for natural and ready conversation between Sim and Catherine, but his mistake is not going beyond observation and being encouraging and matchmaking in the moment.
Furthermore, Isaac is very sweet and caring. He shows patience and understanding with his classmate, Ruthie, and a genuine willingness to help her. He has the ability to see past stumbling blocks and imagine solutions and to help people overcome their uncertainties.
The preparations for the school Christmas program were fun to read about from a student's vantage point, and I most enjoyed the chapters detailing the big day. The author does well at communicating all of the emotions felt up to, during, and after the program including the excitement and nerves of the teacher and students, the anticipation over delicious holiday treats, and the relief and happiness over a good performance.
I enjoyed this lighthearted story for what it was and would have given it a higher mark if I had picked it up from the children's section at the library.
November 7, 2019
Most of you have probably read this book years ago. I just got around to reading it after I bought it at the local Library book sale. Oh I always wanted to read it,but didn't till this year. Why did I wait so long?
To refresh your memory, the author, Linda Byler takes readers inside the mind of a young Amish boy. Not too young mind you but in the seventh grade at the local one room Amish School house. Isaac didn't really think much of girls unless it was his pretty teacher, Catherine
Schleicher. Why wasn't his big brother Simon Stoltzfus asking her out on a date? Isaac spends most of his time though out the book trying to convince his big brother to ask her out.
I thought the book was very cute and original since the author actually is Amish. I loved how this boy thought and reasoned with himself. I found myself laughing out loud several times through out the book. Very light easy to read Book. Loved it. The cover was beautiful and very Christmassy.
All readers of Amish Fiction will love this book. If you haven't read it than I hope you'll make it a part of your Christmas reading schedule. If you have already read it than maybe you would want to read it again.
I bought a hard cover used book from a book sale held at the local Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here are my own.
To refresh your memory, the author, Linda Byler takes readers inside the mind of a young Amish boy. Not too young mind you but in the seventh grade at the local one room Amish School house. Isaac didn't really think much of girls unless it was his pretty teacher, Catherine
Schleicher. Why wasn't his big brother Simon Stoltzfus asking her out on a date? Isaac spends most of his time though out the book trying to convince his big brother to ask her out.
I thought the book was very cute and original since the author actually is Amish. I loved how this boy thought and reasoned with himself. I found myself laughing out loud several times through out the book. Very light easy to read Book. Loved it. The cover was beautiful and very Christmassy.
All readers of Amish Fiction will love this book. If you haven't read it than I hope you'll make it a part of your Christmas reading schedule. If you have already read it than maybe you would want to read it again.
I bought a hard cover used book from a book sale held at the local Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here are my own.
January 3, 2013
Very quick and enjoyable read!
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Simon can't stop thinking about the pretty Amish teacher at the local one-room school. But he's ignored the sparks between them because he's so shy. So Simon's little brother, Isaac, takes matters into his own hands. He's determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever—a date with his favorite teacher. Amish novelist Byler brings her tender humor and skillful observation of family relationships to this holiday story. "I love Isaac's self-confidence and scheming as he prods his reluctant older brother," she smiles knowingly about the characters she's created. Byler takes her reader straight into the Amish world as Isaac is both charmed and annoyed by his too talkative, but quite bright, Mam. He can barely tolerate his little nieces and nephews, who substantially outnumber the grown-ups when the whole family gets together. And he loves his humble circumspect Dat, although he isn't always pleased by how well Isaac sweeps the forebay in the barn. As anticipation for the Christmas program at the schoolhouse builds, Isaac cares for troubled Ruthie who stutters miserably when she practices her poem. And he wonders how much he'll have to help his brother Sim act on his growing affection for Teacher Catherine!
REVIEW: I really enjoyed the focus of this story on the daily routine and preparation for the Christmas program in an Amish one-room schoolhouse. I loved Isaac's sweetness, studiousness, and caring for others and especially his heartfelt tenderness toward Ruthie's problem with stuttering. I have to say, though, that this book's title is terribly deceiving and that is why I gave it a 3. It's subtitle is "A Christmas Romance." The romance thread between Simon and Teacher Catherine is so slim as to almost be nonexistent. Also Isaac was supposed to be the Matchmaker but other than mentioning several times to Simon that he should show some interest in Teacher Catherine that sums up his supporting role. An enjoyable read but pretty much the typical formulaic Amish format.
REVIEW: I really enjoyed the focus of this story on the daily routine and preparation for the Christmas program in an Amish one-room schoolhouse. I loved Isaac's sweetness, studiousness, and caring for others and especially his heartfelt tenderness toward Ruthie's problem with stuttering. I have to say, though, that this book's title is terribly deceiving and that is why I gave it a 3. It's subtitle is "A Christmas Romance." The romance thread between Simon and Teacher Catherine is so slim as to almost be nonexistent. Also Isaac was supposed to be the Matchmaker but other than mentioning several times to Simon that he should show some interest in Teacher Catherine that sums up his supporting role. An enjoyable read but pretty much the typical formulaic Amish format.
December 7, 2018
A short and sweet book about christmas and getting the nerve up to ask out someone you like. I read this in 2 days since it was so short and good. I wanted to know faster what was going to happen. I am not saying anything more or else l will give it away.
April 21, 2013
Very sweet, romance.
December 24, 2023
Sweet story, but not all that well written. New character names keep appearing without introduction, as though the reader already knows who they are. And the story jumps in time without any indication of transition, not even a couple of blank lines on the page between disparate paragraphs. I'm sure this was meant to be a quick holiday read (and it is), but really there was too much going on in the tale for that. It should have either been a full length novel with more details added, or some of the side events should have gone unmentioned.
January 1, 2013
Amish seventh grader Isaac knows his favorite teacher is the perfect match for his older brother Sim, but Sim is shy and is not taking his advice. Isaac tries everything he knows to get them together, but nothing seems to work. So kindhearted Isaac focuses on the upcoming school Christmas program, the pony he is expecting for Christmas, and the stuttering problem of a classmate. In this heartwarming coming-of-age novella, one gains insight about Amish life, values, and perspectives. In spite of it being billed as “a Christmas romance,” the book’s language and point-of-view indicate that it could be considered a title suitable for middle schoolers.
January 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this book a lot!!! Linda is great at informing us what it is like in the Amish community! I've always enjoyed her books and cannot wait to pick up another!!!
October 7, 2012
The Little Amish Matchmaker by Linda Byler
4 STARS
The Little Amish Matchmaker is charming. Isaac is still in school and he notices that his older brother Simon likes his teacher Catherine but he is too shy to asks Teacher Catherine for a date. So he tries to help him.
Isaac is a smart teen he notices a lot of things around him and tries to help in a lot of ways. Isaac also notices what he should not be saying him and teaches alot inside his head about Pride, worldly things and what he should do.
I really like Isaac and how he goes to his friends to reach out and help a girl Ruthie who stutters all of a sudden. They give up thier recesses to help her for the Christmas
program. He finds out why all of a sudden she is stuttering and let her know that
she was okay and not worry about people judgeing her because her mom had problems.
It makes me want to be better at seeing a need and reach out to help and not judge others because they were different or family member different.
Isaac sees his teacher at different places and lets his brother know where she is. Simon then heads over and talks to Teacher catherine. But Simon still won't ask her out.
Another thing I liked about the story it showed a lot about the different foods they serve. I want to go and look up some of the reciepes.
This story also tells a bit about the different Amish families some are stricter and others are more lax but they don't stop being friends. They respect what their families rules.
Also tells a lot about the different ways they cope without electricity. You can see
a difference that Linda Byler being and living as a Amish writer brings to her books.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. I have enjoyed reading Linda Byler's books.
Publisher: Good Books (September 4, 2012) Open Road Media 195 pages
4 STARS
The Little Amish Matchmaker is charming. Isaac is still in school and he notices that his older brother Simon likes his teacher Catherine but he is too shy to asks Teacher Catherine for a date. So he tries to help him.
Isaac is a smart teen he notices a lot of things around him and tries to help in a lot of ways. Isaac also notices what he should not be saying him and teaches alot inside his head about Pride, worldly things and what he should do.
I really like Isaac and how he goes to his friends to reach out and help a girl Ruthie who stutters all of a sudden. They give up thier recesses to help her for the Christmas
program. He finds out why all of a sudden she is stuttering and let her know that
she was okay and not worry about people judgeing her because her mom had problems.
It makes me want to be better at seeing a need and reach out to help and not judge others because they were different or family member different.
Isaac sees his teacher at different places and lets his brother know where she is. Simon then heads over and talks to Teacher catherine. But Simon still won't ask her out.
Another thing I liked about the story it showed a lot about the different foods they serve. I want to go and look up some of the reciepes.
This story also tells a bit about the different Amish families some are stricter and others are more lax but they don't stop being friends. They respect what their families rules.
Also tells a lot about the different ways they cope without electricity. You can see
a difference that Linda Byler being and living as a Amish writer brings to her books.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. I have enjoyed reading Linda Byler's books.
Publisher: Good Books (September 4, 2012) Open Road Media 195 pages
October 17, 2012
I've never read anything by this author, but thought I'd give this book a try since it is Amish and Christmas. This book is about a boy who goes to a one room Amish school. This boy notices his brother's interest in his school teach, Teacher Catherine. The young boy tries to play matchmaker, but his brother will not let him. We learn a lot about the young boy as he gets ready with his class for the Christmas program thoughout the book. Will he ever be able to get his brother and Teacher Catherine together? Read The Little Amish Matchmaker to find out.
The things I liked best about this book were that the book was short and moved fast. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and snow in the book, it made me feel like I was in the middle of a snow storm. I also thought the ending was really sweet.
There were several things I did not like about this book. First, the first half of the book took me forever to get into. I felt like the author kept skipping from one thought to the next and sometimes it was hard to see where she was going. This might have had to happen since the book was so short. I also wondered what kind of Amish this book was referring to because I thought most Amish women wore dull colored dresses and did not wear red. In this story we see Teacher Catherine wearing red for the Christmas program. Maybe it was a dull red but this just stood out and made me wonder.
I thought this book was okay. The ending was sweet and it was a quick read. I really just met the characters and the story was over.
I was given this advance copy through Netgalley and was not required to give a positive review, only an honest one.
The things I liked best about this book were that the book was short and moved fast. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and snow in the book, it made me feel like I was in the middle of a snow storm. I also thought the ending was really sweet.
There were several things I did not like about this book. First, the first half of the book took me forever to get into. I felt like the author kept skipping from one thought to the next and sometimes it was hard to see where she was going. This might have had to happen since the book was so short. I also wondered what kind of Amish this book was referring to because I thought most Amish women wore dull colored dresses and did not wear red. In this story we see Teacher Catherine wearing red for the Christmas program. Maybe it was a dull red but this just stood out and made me wonder.
I thought this book was okay. The ending was sweet and it was a quick read. I really just met the characters and the story was over.
I was given this advance copy through Netgalley and was not required to give a positive review, only an honest one.
June 25, 2013
Title: THE LITTLE AMISH MATCHMAKER
Author: Linda Byler
Publisher: GoodReads
September 2012
ISBN: 978-1561487769
Genre: Amish
Isaac thinks his pretty Amish teacher, Catherine, and his big brother, Simon, would be a perfect fit. Isaac takes matters into his own hands, determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever—a date with his favorite schoolteacher.
Simon can't stop thinking about the pretty Amish teacher at the local one-room school. But he's ignored the sparks between them because he's so shy. So Simon's little brother, Isaac, takes matters into his own hands. He's determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever—a date with his favorite teacher.
THE LITTLE AMISH MATCHMAKER is a really cute Amish Christmas story. Fans of Amish fiction will want to read this one! It is short, with big print, easy to read in a day, and it is hardcover, making it ideal for gifts.
I inhaled this book. The story is told through Isaac's Point of view, and sometimes there is author intrusion as the author tells us what Isaac doesn't know. Such as two Amish women gossiping on line, or when Sim sends a gift to Catherine...
Fans of Amish fiction will definitely want to pick up a copy of THE LITTLE AMISH MATCHMAKER today. $14.95. 187 pages
Author: Linda Byler
Publisher: GoodReads
September 2012
ISBN: 978-1561487769
Genre: Amish
Isaac thinks his pretty Amish teacher, Catherine, and his big brother, Simon, would be a perfect fit. Isaac takes matters into his own hands, determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever—a date with his favorite schoolteacher.
Simon can't stop thinking about the pretty Amish teacher at the local one-room school. But he's ignored the sparks between them because he's so shy. So Simon's little brother, Isaac, takes matters into his own hands. He's determined to give his brother the best Christmas present ever—a date with his favorite teacher.
THE LITTLE AMISH MATCHMAKER is a really cute Amish Christmas story. Fans of Amish fiction will want to read this one! It is short, with big print, easy to read in a day, and it is hardcover, making it ideal for gifts.
I inhaled this book. The story is told through Isaac's Point of view, and sometimes there is author intrusion as the author tells us what Isaac doesn't know. Such as two Amish women gossiping on line, or when Sim sends a gift to Catherine...
Fans of Amish fiction will definitely want to pick up a copy of THE LITTLE AMISH MATCHMAKER today. $14.95. 187 pages
November 1, 2012
Linda Byler has written a very cute story about the younger brother matchmaking his brother, Sim, with his teacher, Catherine. Sim and Catherine seem quite stubborn and uncooperative. Will Isaac finally give up on them ever getting together or will he remain persistent to the end?
I enjoyed seeing the one-room Amish school children preparing for their annual Christmas play and program for their families. It was very touching for Isaac to be so concerned about Ruthie and her stuttering problem. He shows a very compassionate heart...not something you always see in children that age. It was refreshing to witness the assistance he and his friends gave her.
This is a very quick read at only 88 pages. It can easily be finished in one sitting. One thing of interest that I noticed was the women wearing a kerchief to bed at night instead of their kapp. This was done so that if the woman felt the need to pray all during the night, her head would be properly covered. Many books show the females brushing their hair out at night for their husbands and leaving it uncovered. I wonder if that differs for the various Amish districts.
I enjoyed seeing the one-room Amish school children preparing for their annual Christmas play and program for their families. It was very touching for Isaac to be so concerned about Ruthie and her stuttering problem. He shows a very compassionate heart...not something you always see in children that age. It was refreshing to witness the assistance he and his friends gave her.
This is a very quick read at only 88 pages. It can easily be finished in one sitting. One thing of interest that I noticed was the women wearing a kerchief to bed at night instead of their kapp. This was done so that if the woman felt the need to pray all during the night, her head would be properly covered. Many books show the females brushing their hair out at night for their husbands and leaving it uncovered. I wonder if that differs for the various Amish districts.
February 8, 2017
Reading "The Little Amish Matchmaker" by real life Amish newspaper columnist, Linda Byler, reminded me of my Jan Karon "Mitford" days from a long time ago...when the cadence of the writing felt a bit like meditating or praying. Matchmaker is soothing, innocent and filled with a cornucopia of colorful details. I felt that on every page I was meandering down Route 30 nibbling on a whoopie pie. Thank you to my sweet niece who gave me this adorable book for Christmas!
December 12, 2016
What a sweet little story! Given the title, I was expecting the 'matchmaker' to be a young child. Isaac was around 12-13, though, which actually worked to the betterment of the story.
I liked how Isaac was a typical teenager, thought he knew a lot more than people gave him credit for: and, in reality, he did have some pretty keen insights, especially when it came to helping out a struggling classmate. I also liked how he tried to encourage Simon, and then got frustrated when Simon wasn't doing what Isaac thought he should do. There were a lot of parts like that that were laugh-out-loud funny to me.
I also appreciated seeing the preparations for the Christmas program come together. I know that's a huge part of the Christmas celebration for the Amish culture, and it was nice to see that from the perspective of an active Amish church member.
I liked how Isaac was a typical teenager, thought he knew a lot more than people gave him credit for: and, in reality, he did have some pretty keen insights, especially when it came to helping out a struggling classmate. I also liked how he tried to encourage Simon, and then got frustrated when Simon wasn't doing what Isaac thought he should do. There were a lot of parts like that that were laugh-out-loud funny to me.
I also appreciated seeing the preparations for the Christmas program come together. I know that's a huge part of the Christmas celebration for the Amish culture, and it was nice to see that from the perspective of an active Amish church member.
June 19, 2014
The Little Amish Matchmaker is a short story and very sweet. It’s about Isaac a 7th grader who tries to get his 21 year old brother Simon and his school teacher to go out on a date. It’s also about the school Christmas program coming up and how Isaac and 3 other children help a girl with her stuttering problem.
In The Little Amish Matchmaker you learn about the Amish traditions and how they go about their everyday life. They had quite a snow storm and how they work around that. One part told about how the big snowplows really scare some of their horses.
The ending was very sweet and worked out wonderfully. I really enjoyed reading this book and did it in one afternoon.
This book was a Christmas gift and I didn’t have to review it for any publisher or author.
In The Little Amish Matchmaker you learn about the Amish traditions and how they go about their everyday life. They had quite a snow storm and how they work around that. One part told about how the big snowplows really scare some of their horses.
The ending was very sweet and worked out wonderfully. I really enjoyed reading this book and did it in one afternoon.
This book was a Christmas gift and I didn’t have to review it for any publisher or author.
December 23, 2012
I got this book for my birthday as a gift and it was a wonderful and thoughtful gift at that. It had all the makings of my favorite things an Amish novel, Christmas and romance but it's a short book and not really about any of those things at all. The story is told from the perspective of a 13 year old Amish boy. I think had it been longer they could have really xpanded on the themes but it really just reads as the immature thoughts of a young boy.
November 27, 2018
I finished this book, but I didn't especially like it. I typically really enjoy reading books set within the Amish community, but I found Isaac really annoying. The writing was uneven. At times it flowed, but it was more often rather stilted with short, choppy sentences.
May 20, 2019
A sweet Christmas story about a young Amish boy who desperately tries to "fix up" his older brother with his teacher. Also, he helps a young scholar in his class overcome her stuttering for the school Christmas program. Easy read for a quiet night at home.
November 10, 2012
Meh. Too many characters to keep track of, but you don't learn enough about most of them to care much about them.
January 26, 2013
Not very well written.
December 29, 2013
The writing was very elementary, but it was a cute story and a quick read so I found it enjoyable.
November 14, 2013
Short novella...told through the eyes of 13 yr old Issac. No depth...This book did not hold my attention.
November 19, 2013
This was a fun, little, heartwarming story. A super quick and easy read. A nice Christmas story.
December 27, 2013
Winter break bookaday. Short story of Christmas romance with a poem at the end. A few holes in the story line, sweet but not much here.
November 29, 2014
Not exciting at all........very slow
January 15, 2016
Could Have Been Great
This was very short. It could have been excellent with more quality in it. The end left you hanging. It must be a series but I will not go further.
This was very short. It could have been excellent with more quality in it. The end left you hanging. It must be a series but I will not go further.
March 8, 2016
It was cute and simple. It gave an interesting perspective into Amish life. I probably won't read any other books by the author though.
January 8, 2021
Sweet story, but maybe not really adult?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews