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Amish Christmas Gift
A Christmas Visitor
Frannie Mast returns to Bee County for Christmas, but her heart stays back in Missouri with an Englisch farm boy.
Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt and her aunt's new husband Mordecai. After all, Frannie knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome Englisch farm boy back in Missouri. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case. Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?
Frannie knows her parents have the best of intentions when they send her back to Bee County, Texas, to live with her aunt and her aunt's new husband Mordecai. After all, Frannie knows nothing can come of a relationship with Rocky, the handsome Englisch farm boy back in Missouri. But all bets are off when Rocky follows Frannie to Texas to plead his case. Could he be the Christmas gift to end all gifts?
119 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 6, 2015
8 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Irvin
69 books832 followersBest-selling author Kelly Irvin splits her writing time between Amish romances and romantic suspense. Her latest release is Trust Me (2/8/22), a romantic suspense novel set in San Antonio's historic art district. It explores broken trust and whether trust can ever be restored. Publishers Weekly called it a "whirlwind romantic thriller" and "an emotional rollercoaster."
Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.
Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."
The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."
Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.
Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.
Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..
The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.
A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.
She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.
Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.
Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."
The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."
Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.
Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.
Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..
The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.
A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.
She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 18, 2020
Very sweet romance
December 18, 2017
A cute Amish Christmas romance. Though short and sweet it did make me realize how difficult it would be to convert and embrace the Amish faith and lifestyle.
December 3, 2020
I don’t enjoy the Amish romances. I pick them up because my mother likes them. While I try to respect other religions I never seem to come away with a good feeling as I should from a wholesome, religion based story.
March 24, 2017
A sweet redemptive story!
December 14, 2022
Not quite my type of book, but it was interesting to learn more about Amish life.
December 27, 2025
Cute Amish Christmas novella about faith, family, love, and choices.
July 15, 2025
I enjoyedthe fact that this title ended up being a little different than what I was expecting. Frannie has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle's family since her parent's want to get her away from the Englisch farm boy she's grown much too attached to. However, no one was prepared for that boy (Rocky) to follow her to Texas. What seems an impossible situation to navigate, soon serves as the never ending reminder that not everything is as it seems at first. Rocky and Frannie's journey is tumulotous and heart wrenching, but it's also the perfect illustration that God loves to work with all the broken pieces, if we're only brave enough to give them to Him.
I did enjoy this title, but I didn't love it as much as I usually do Amish Christmas stories, as I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style.
Still a cute story however, and one that I'd recommend if you're looking for a sweet, clean Christmas story.
3.5/5.
I did enjoy this title, but I didn't love it as much as I usually do Amish Christmas stories, as I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style.
Still a cute story however, and one that I'd recommend if you're looking for a sweet, clean Christmas story.
3.5/5.
December 29, 2023
Francis is on her rumspringa and has met a man named Rocky, an Englisher. Her parents are not happy and send her off to her aunt & uncle. They have had a daughter" jump the fence" and are not about to let this happen to Frannie. They are all surprised when Rocky shows up and are suspicious when he expresses a desire to join the Amish and embrace their lifestyle. This is a good read but I didn't enjoy the judgmental attitude of the aunt & uncle along with other members of the community. If this is truly the time for Amish young people to decide if they want to commit to the church, their setting up roadblocks could backfire on them.
May 5, 2020
Abigail is so obnoxious. In this book and others about Bee County, she is a a meddlesome shrew who is constantly punishing her daughter and niece for her older's daughters choices. It is a surprise she doesn't drive every young woman away from the community. Her oldest daughter wasn't baptized so there is absolutely no reason why she and the community couldn't welcome her, her husband and children into their lives. The community's choice to be judgmental, and imposing the same rules as a shunning is just hateful.
December 8, 2017
I enjoy reading stories about people who live in the Amish communities. I especially appreciate this one because it tries to focus more on character development then most books do. The author took pains to focus on the spiritual growth involved rather than just focusing on the romance. Beyond that, it is a sweet, uplifting Christmas story. Try it, you’ll like it! 😉
January 11, 2020
A view into an Amish community. Yes, this is fictional but it helps the reader put into perspective the difficult choice the Amish have when they come of age. They have a choice to stay with their family and be baptized or leave their family and everything they've ever known to live in the world. This is a romance between an Amish girl and a boy from the world.
November 20, 2022
2022 Christmas Read #7
This genre isn't really my cup of tea but I decided to try it anyway. The male love interest, Rocky, was a little over-the-top, but otherwise it was a really nice story. I can deal with over-the-top in a Christmas novel.
This genre isn't really my cup of tea but I decided to try it anyway. The male love interest, Rocky, was a little over-the-top, but otherwise it was a really nice story. I can deal with over-the-top in a Christmas novel.
December 17, 2025
This was an excellent, heart warming book. The characters were relatable and very lovely characters. I loved how this book showed that if your are dedicated and work hard you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
May 6, 2017
Kelly Irvin writes an original Amish story in A Christmas Visitor. The story of Rocky and Frannie feels true and full of faith.
I highly recommend.
I highly recommend.
February 12, 2019
A nice Christmas story.
December 12, 2019
BOY was that boring...
October 4, 2020
This was a nice relaxing book. Nothing heavy, just something to keep me company while I knitted and cleaned house.
December 26, 2020
If you like Amish Christmas love stories then you will like this! It was sweet.
November 23, 2021
Good read.
December 29, 2021
I was recommended this book and come to find out it was a different book by the same title. This book was surprisingly delightful. Perfect family read for in the car on a holiday road trip.
September 16, 2022
Nothing is impossible for God! His plan for us is far better than anything we could ever imagine.
November 6, 2022
This was very very boring, nothing happened, I wouldn't consider it very christmasy.
November 25, 2022
A wonderful book ! Perfect for the Christmas season
Read
December 16, 2022A
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
A good Christmas story about faith and what people will do for love.
December 19, 2024
An interesting novella that I feel left half the story out. So many questions were left unanswered. It was just too short to cover everything.
January 9, 2024
"A Christmas Visitor" by Kelly Irvin is a heartwarming holiday tale that captivated me from the start. Irvin skillfully weaves a story of love, forgiveness, and the magic of Christmas. The characters are relatable, and the festive setting adds a delightful charm. The narrative's warmth and the message of hope make this novella a perfect seasonal read. In this short but sweet story, Irvin delivers the spirit of Christmas, leaving a lasting impression that lingers like the glow of holiday lights.
December 10, 2015
An Amish Christmas Gift: Three Amish Novellas by Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid and Kelly Irvin has three warm, enjoyable Christmas stories that will transcend readers into three different Amish communities around the country.
Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston takes us to Lancaster County, PA to find young widower Caleb and his cheerful daughter Susie going home for Christmas. Caleb keeps running into Naomi a seemingly kind, unmarried young woman that Susie takes to right away, but his gossipy sister insists she is not a good match for him. Still, there is something about Naomi that he likes, especially the way she is with his beloved Susie.
Then we take a trip to Centreville, Michigan to meet Abigail Kemp. Having decided that she will never marry, Abigail works hard to raise money for her own horse to help her be more independent. On the way to her independence she meets local glassblower Micah Zook who is working hard to build his own business, but needs someone to care for his aging grandmother. Can the two work out an arrangement that will help them achieve their goals? Or does God have other plans for the pair?
Kelly Irvin's A Christmas Visitor takes us to the other side of the country to Bee County, Texas. Fannie Mast has been sent here from Missouri to her Aunt and Uncle's home with the hope that she will find a nice Plain man to marry and forget her Englisch friend Rocky. Fanny couldn't stay Plain and be with Rocky, she knew. She did not want to give up being Plain for anyone, but what would she do when Rocky showed up on the doorstep of her Aunt and Uncle's home?
An Amish Christmas Gift will take you on a wonderful journey around the country this Christmas. You will meet some warm and wonderful characters.
I did receive this book from The Fiction Guild in exchange for an honest review.
Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston takes us to Lancaster County, PA to find young widower Caleb and his cheerful daughter Susie going home for Christmas. Caleb keeps running into Naomi a seemingly kind, unmarried young woman that Susie takes to right away, but his gossipy sister insists she is not a good match for him. Still, there is something about Naomi that he likes, especially the way she is with his beloved Susie.
Then we take a trip to Centreville, Michigan to meet Abigail Kemp. Having decided that she will never marry, Abigail works hard to raise money for her own horse to help her be more independent. On the way to her independence she meets local glassblower Micah Zook who is working hard to build his own business, but needs someone to care for his aging grandmother. Can the two work out an arrangement that will help them achieve their goals? Or does God have other plans for the pair?
Kelly Irvin's A Christmas Visitor takes us to the other side of the country to Bee County, Texas. Fannie Mast has been sent here from Missouri to her Aunt and Uncle's home with the hope that she will find a nice Plain man to marry and forget her Englisch friend Rocky. Fanny couldn't stay Plain and be with Rocky, she knew. She did not want to give up being Plain for anyone, but what would she do when Rocky showed up on the doorstep of her Aunt and Uncle's home?
An Amish Christmas Gift will take you on a wonderful journey around the country this Christmas. You will meet some warm and wonderful characters.
I did receive this book from The Fiction Guild in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2015
What struck me first about this novella? The narrator's dry humor. What I liked next? The hero's awareness that the girl he loves is someone other men wouldn't call a beauty, but other people's standards aren't what dictate his attraction to her. Plus, seeing that she's spilled something on her apron yet again or that she's sweating through her dress doesn't make her any less attractive to him. It's a down-to-earth setup, not a run-of-the-mill kind of attraction for a romance story, and I like that.
Between Rocky and Frannie, Rocky's storyline impressed me as the stronger of the two. While the story as a whole has somewhat of an underdeveloped feel, as if there's potential for something more distinctive or compelling that never really surfaces, it's still a pleasant read overall.
__________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in a collection from the publisher for an honest review.
Between Rocky and Frannie, Rocky's storyline impressed me as the stronger of the two. While the story as a whole has somewhat of an underdeveloped feel, as if there's potential for something more distinctive or compelling that never really surfaces, it's still a pleasant read overall.
__________________
BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in a collection from the publisher for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews