An Amish Family Christmas

The Charmed Amish Life #4

by Shelley Shepard Gray

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s fourth book in her Charmed Amish Life series, an unlikely Amish romance reveals that Christmas is a time for family, miracles—and love. 

Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Newly returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi is trying to fit into his old life, only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

But when Julia, his young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, Levi finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a job Levi takes personally. Soon enough, friendship grows into attraction, but Levi can’t help having doubts. There’s something about Julia that doesn’t ring quite true…Like Levi, Julia Kemps has survived her fair share of hardships—but only by hiding the truth of her past. Being an unmarried mother in an Amish community was unthinkable. Feeling hopeless, Julia did the only thing she could she moved to a new town and pretended to be a widow. But meeting Levi, she’s hopeful for the first time. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret, and eventually…perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together…in order to find the healing, support and love they so desperately desire.

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

373 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.


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Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS (The Charmed Amish Life #4) by Shelley Shepard Gray is the last book in The Charmed Amish series, but it can be read as a standalone. When you get to the last chapter wrap-up though, you are going to want to go back and read them all. Ms. Gray’s writing about an Amish family is entertaining and heartwarming, but she also portrays her characters with all the good and bad characteristics of all humans.

Levi Kinsinger has returned to Charm still trying to deal with the death of his father and wanting to find and fit into his place in his family’s business and home. He decides to live on his own because he can’t face the memories in his family home and meets the young widow across the street when she locks herself and her young daughter accidently out of their home. Friendship grows and Levi begins to have feelings for this mother and daughter, but there are secrets to be learned that may change those feelings.

Julia Kemp has been living a lie and running from her past. Having had an abusive fiancé and being pregnant out of wedlock sent her on the run to start over away from her life and family. It has been very difficult, but she has survived and raised her daughter on her own pretending to be a widow in the Amish community in Charm. Levi has made her want to reveal her secret and hope for a better life. Her past is starting to catch up with her and it is time to decide if she will run again or fight for her future.

Levi and Julia are fully developed characters and not just Amish caricatures. That is what I love about all of Ms. Gray’s characters. The plot is realistic and emotional. This is a fast read that will leave you with your HEA and a Kinsinger home full of family and love on Christmas day.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. I got it because it was a Christmas theme. When I got home and found out it is part of a series, I was a bit afraid I won't know the characters. Turns out, I enjoyed it very much and think you can read this as a stand-alone.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep saying this … but it’s because it’s so true. Shelley Shepard Gray writes with such heart that her characters and their stories become part of you.

The Kinsinger family is no exception. I fell in love with them in A Son’s Vow and eagerly reunited with them in A Daughter’s Dream and A Sister’s Wish. Now, saying goodbye to them in An Amish Family Christmas is a bit bittersweet after all. In the best possible way. (Though I do admit that I got a bit sentimentally teary at the last scene.) These characters have become dear friends, and their stories have touched my heart.

My favorite parts of An Amish Family Christmas? Spending more time with Simon – he is truly one of my favorite characters in this series. Watching Levi and Julia fall in love. (Levi in love is just plain sweet, which is exactly what Julia and Penny need.) The friendships, the family, and the community. AND the authenticity of the characters and their lives – they are real and flawed and they face painful and ugly situations just like the rest of us.

Bottom Line: An Amish Family Christmas may be the last book (wail!) in Shelley Shepard Gray’s The Charmed Amish Life series, but the Kinsinger family and their friends won’t be leaving your heart so quickly. Their faith and love and humor blend beautifully with the realities of life in a broken world. While it can easily be read as a standalone novel, you don’t want to miss out on the other books either.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT wrap up!!! Shelley really knows how to wrap up a series! :) These were some of my all time favorite characters from her! This is a FABULOUS CHRISTmas read and if you've followed the series it CAN NOT be missed!!!!!!! Focusing more on sweet kids instead of the animals this time, I truly enjoyed all of these characters! There's a touch of suspense in the mix with this one and a touch of gritty reality that has been flowing through this whole series! This story is about change, hope, family, and love! What a year these siblings have been through!!!! Completing the four siblings tales, Levi picks up the plot and finds what his siblings have already found! Continuing also with Tess I really LOVED her stories continuation! There's a scene where she and another character are so open and honest about what they are feeling! I LOVED it! It is so refreshing among the suspense and turmoil of hidden secrets and feelings from other characters! With the characters coming together in REALLY GREAT scenes and their pasts colliding with their present, this is a highly entertaining read and became one of my favorites of the series!

Songs: "You Carry Me" by Moriah Peters, "If We're Honest" by Francesca Battistelli, and "
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Mark 9:23

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Litfuse for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about An Amish Family CHRISTmas. ~ASC

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, I'm not even really sure what to say about this one. Levi is about the sweetest male character, and Lukas and Rebecca where much nicer in this book. There are also other characters from the previous book (Tess and the police officer, among others) who make appearances.

Julia was an abused girlfriend, I'm tempted to write wife, because she lied about being a widow in the book, so that is cemented in my mind. She had a child out of wedlock and in an effort to protect her child, she ran. Understandable. She was hesitant to trust anybody, also understandable, and as a result, kept me distant as a reader. Also as a result, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have the others in this series. There really wasn't much in it Christmassy either, that was kind of tossed in there as an after thought.

Not Ms. Gray's best book, but not bad either. This was the 4th book in The Charmed Amish Life series, but it does stand alone. The other books are: A Son's Vow, A Daughter's Dream, A Daughter's Wish, and this one AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel completes the saga of the Kinsinger family. It focuses in Levi and his struggle to return to his family and the family business. He still needs to adjust to life without his parents and their counsel. He becomes drawn to a widow and her child, but she has a secret that, if exposed, could endanger her and her daughter. Trust and acceptance are themes in this well written and enlightening tale as Levi and his extended family come together for a satisfying conclusion to this series.

[Nancy Sorensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite lame.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you finish a series up that have kept readers enthralled with the characters? The answer is you take an extremely gifted author that draws you into the final story with suspense, a town that makes you feel at home and characters that make you feel like family. The author really shines with this emotional page turner that tucks at your heartstrings.

Levi is the one I have been waiting to really get to know and I loved how his character came full circle. He has come a long way in his walk with forgiveness and coming to terms with tragedy. I found him to be a strong character with a heart of gold. The family is glad to have him back home. Will he be able to find joy being home? The author has done a great job of giving readers a character that is strong yet vulnerable at times. It has been hard for Levi to let go of someone he loved. Can Levi finally find peace and move forward in his life?

Julia is a young woman who has come to town with her small daughter. What secret is she hiding? As she and Levi become friends, I enjoyed the gradual trust they developed between each other. Julia is guarded at times, but knows she needs to trust someone. I liked how her character was wanting to protect her daughter and shield her from danger. Will Julia's lies cause her and her daughter to face danger?

I really liked this story because it was a deeper more emotional story about a subject that is not easy to read about. The author made the story so realistic and there were times I wanted to tell Julia and her daughter to run. There is a great level of intrigue that will keep you glued to the book. I find that the author always writes with such great passion and raw emotions. This book closes the series in an unforgettable story of family, forgiveness, overcoming loss, trust and a time to celebrate the holiday season. Be sure you grab a copy of this book. I would recommend you get the entire series and follow the Kinsinger family on their journey .

I received a copy of this book from the author and Litfuse . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, partly because there are some twists that I don’t normally find in Amish stories. However, they reveal that Amish are as human as anyone else and are not immune to the same sins that affect the rest of the world. I won’t ruin it by telling too much but it is well worth reading. In the Charmed Amish Life Series, four of the key characters have been the Kinsinger siblings, two brothers and two sisters, whose parents have died and left the Kinsinger Lumber Company to them. Each story features a specific sibling. This story features Levi, the youngest brother, who has struggled greatly with the loss of their parents to the point that he moved to Florida for a period of time to try to sort things out. He does not want to admit to anyone, especially his siblings, that he can hardly bear to be in the family home since their parents are gone. The other leading character is Julia Kemp who is living a lie to protect her daughter and herself from the father of her daughter. I enjoyed catching up with the other Kinsinger siblings but Levi’s story grips the heart. He is a man of strong convictions and real backbone but he misses his parents so much that he seems to hide who he truly is. Julia and her daughter live across the street from the house he is renting. They are needy and he has the means to help. But how do you help someone who tries to push you away? Can someone in Julia’s shoes risk letting another person get too close? What if he finds out who she really is? Does she dare share her secrets with him? Is it time for her to run again? I recommend you read the book to see how this all plays out. I received a complimentary Digital Review Copy of the book from the publisher.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Ever since his father died in a tragic fire, Levi Kinsinger has felt adrift. Having just returned to Charm, Ohio, Levi tries to fit into his old life only to discover he seems to have outgrown it.

When Julia, Levi's young widowed neighbor, asks for his help with a Christmas project, he finds a sense of purpose for the first time in months. She and her daughter are new to Charm and could use a friend, a task Levi takes seriously. Soon enough, his friendship with Julia grows into attraction, but Levi can't help harboring doubts. There's something about Julia that doesn't ring quite true . . .

Like Levi, Julia Kemp has survived her fair share of hardships--but only by hiding the truth of her past. Then she meets Levi and, for the first time, she feels hopeful. Little by little, she begins to imagine telling him her darkest secret and eventually ... perhaps even sharing her life with him.

Christmas is a time for family, and as the holiday draws closer, Julia and Levi will have to face their pasts together in order to find the healing, support, and love they so desperately desire.


MY REVIEW
At first when reading this book I was thinking it hit close to home for some women I know and have known, it happens too often in life, Julia was smart enough and strong enough to get herself out of a bad situation sooner than later. Tears did come to my eyes while reading, I won't tell you when or where, you will have to see if you have the same emotions. A very good read for Christmas, for anytime as far as that goes. Grab a copy!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and finale to the Charmed Amish Life series! I loved seeing Levi work his way back into the community and his family, even though he doesn't quite feel like he fits in while he's struggling with his intense grief over his parents. He's so different from the accusatory hothead that abandoned his family in the first book. His compassion for Julia and her daughter is endearing and brings a special light into their lives.

We see a few scenes from the point of view of Tess, Simon's sister, and her work establishing a community resource center for abused women and children. My favorite part of the book actually was her fumbling beginnings of a relationship with a local cop who finds her irresistible. The nervous tension from them both created a sweet anticipation of good things to come. Just loved it!

This book was a bit different from the others in that there is a villain worked into the plot that creates some suspense as he gets closer to destroying the life Julia has built in Charm. The siblings from the previous books and their spouses play a significant role in helping Levi and Julia feel at home in their community. Highly recommend to fans of Amish fiction and those who enjoy following family members in a series.

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2ej73Po

An Amish Family Christmas is a perfect series conclusion and a wonderful Christmas read. It’s about transformation and loving relationships anchored in faith. After the way Levi had reacted to his father’s death in an earlier book, it was great to see his return to the family. But sometimes coming back isn’t easy, as many readers have undoubtedly experienced, and Levi’s struggles to fit in ring true. He just blossoms as the relationship with Julia and her daughter develops, fulfilled by being needed.

With its focus on some of the grittier aspects of life, such as death and physical abuse, this story shows that the Amish face the same life struggles that we do. I loved the way serious issues are offset by everyday life and even humor. And I have to say that one of my favorite things about An Amish Family Christmas is spending more time with Simon, a character who touched me greatly.

Levi’s personal growth and Julia learning to trust make this a moving story – with a fabulous conclusion filled with Christmas cheer. I loved the whole series and highly recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Charm, Ohio and Levi Kinginger is back and again working in the family lumber business, he just got back from Florida, trying to get back to his life and dealing with the death of his father in the fire.
Julia Kemp and her five year old daughter Penny are new in town and attempting to acclimate themselves into the Amish community. Julia works at the local fabric store, and Penny attends the local Amish school. Julia is still coming to terms with her past, and how to best move on with their lives.
Of course our two main characters are bound to meet, but sparks soon seem to fly between them, and how will Julia be able to deal with this new person in her life? She is trying to put the past away, but Penny is a constant reminder, and the love of her life. Will Julia be able to trust another man, how about Penny she doesn’t have a father, will Levi be able to fill this void?

This is a fast pace story that begins on December 3rd and ends on Christmas Day December 25th, and once you start you will be quickly turning the pages to get to the answers.

I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story that explored the love of a mother for her child, the importance of family, questions of right and wrong, truthfulness, romantic love, and helping those who are in danger.

It was great to see into Levi’s thoughts and understand his actions that he took in previous books. I also really enjoyed watching him fall for Julia and her daughter. He was definitely a kind and caring man. The issues that he had to face and the decisions he needed to make in this novel really threw him for a loop for awhile. He grew a lot in this story.

Julia and her daughter, Penny, were a welcome addition to this small community. I found myself cheering for them as they began to belong and worrying for them as Julia’s past secrets threatened the life they were making.

The growing romance between Levi and Julia was heartwarming. An Amish Family Christmas was an uplifting tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog and enter to win a book pack (through 11/4/16) at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Shelley Shepard Gray’s books speak from the heart. This story is filled with themes of family, miracles, and of course romance. Gray brings her characters to life and causes readers to fall in love with them and the story as she pulls them in. This story is about Julia Kemp and her neighbor Levi Kinsinger. They both have things that happened to them in the past that they are avoiding, but need to come to grips with so they can move on and find the love they both desire. Deep friendship and romance bud between the two as they work to move on from the past and come together. A sweet holiday story that readers will absolutely love!!

Series: The Charmed Amish Life
Genre: Amish, romance, Christian, holiday
Publisher: Avon Inspired
Publication date: October 18, 2016
Number of pages: 288

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Other books in the series:
1-A Son’s Vow
2-A Daughter’s Dream
3-A Sister’s Wish

A print review copy of this novel was provided by LitFuse. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Crystal Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Family Christmas: A Charmed Amish Life Christmas is the fourth book in The Charmed Amish Life Series written by Shelley Shepard Gray. This was a great book that I enjoyed. Christmas is a time for love, family, peace and sometimes the occasional miracle. Levi Kinsinger lost his father in a tragic fire and has since been floating adrift in this thing called life, until he moves to Charm, Ohio. Julia Kemps has also survived her share of hardships and moved to Charm to start over. Julia befriends Levi and asks for his help with a Christmas project. Their relationship seems to grow to something more than friendship but will their secrets keep them from love.

An Amish Family Christmas is a must read story of love, miracles, and family. Where two lost souls have to let go of their pasts to move on to their future. Ms. Gray has outdone herself once again!! This book would definitely make a great stocking stuffer for those who love to read.

I received a copy of this book. A Favorable Review was not required. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Susan Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An Amish Family Christmas" breaks open the perception that all Amish have perfectly godly lives. It shows that they are ordinary people who are just as capable of making mistakes as the rest of society. And Julia made a huge one at young age, which cost her the future she'd always envisioned. But I loved Julia's determination to create a new reality. She took responsibility for her actions and moved forward. Although she made further mistakes along the way, she came to realize that she couldn't hide from the past forever and courageously confronted it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an exciting ending to this series. We finally get Levi's story, and it is full of surprises and suspense. As he gets to know Julia, he learns that she is hiding some pretty big stuff from him. As the truth unfolds, so does Levi's true feelings for Julia. We get to see this family come together once again, and such a sweet ending for this book and for this series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book.*

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this book was the forth in a series when I started it, but it didn’t matter. I had no problem connecting with the characters and appreciated a little recall to some of their previous experiences, likely in the earlier books. It was everything I want in an Amish book, wholesome characters, great lessons and lots of community.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the entire series as each member of the Kinsinger family fell in love. Interesting that some were with newcomers. This one ended in Christmas. It was a series that I am not sure one thinks of when thinking of Amish communities with real world issues and hurt and how they handle them. As in all Amish books, God is the answer without it being overdone with a religious overtone.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series and each one just gets better. This is the fourth and final one and I will miss the characters. A definite re-read for me.

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!
The build up seemed to draw me deeper into a emotional story. I liked Julia's character.she was good cause she took action and forgiveness plus, moved forward with all her problems.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Eve here and hoping this is the perfect book over Christmas.
A lovely story.
I picked it up again in December 2024, but realised I’ve already read this story so I backdated the Goodreads ledger to record having already read this book.

[Mary Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not my typical genre, I enjoyed the tender, sweet romance that develops between two lonely people.

[Gwyn Brittigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute book but much like a hallmark Christmas movie 😋

[Bre Dubuque · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully sweet book way to start the New Year off.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi Kinsinger has had the hardest time of all the Kinsinger's coming to terms with his father's death at the family lumber mill. He has just recently returned from Florida after working construction down there for a short time. He has moved from the family home to Jupiter Street to have some quiet and space from his family.

Julia Kemps lives with her young daughter across the street from Levi but has kept to herself for various reasons. Levi needs someone to help clean his house before his family comes to visit and Julia needs extra money to get a doll her daughter wants. What Levi doesn't realize is he is about to lose his heart. Can he trust Julia or is she keeping a secret from him that will destroy their friendship?

Julia's daughter, Penny, will steal your heart like she stole Levi's. Her character was so charming you expected to look up from your book and see her standing in front of you with her cute smile and teddy bear.

This was my favorite book of all "A Charmed Amish Life" series. I think it is because every story line was tied up by the end of the book. Each book can be read as a stand alone but you will have a few questions if you read out of order. These books are short enough that one can read a book a weekend. I suggest starting from the first one and not stopping until you have read all four.

[Melody Kitchens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this authors writing style and that her characters are actually likable. So many of the Amish books I read just have such unlikable people in them. Julie was great, she'd been weak when she was with Luther but after finding out she was pregnant, she found the strength to leave and start a new life somewhere else. I like that she was strong and found away to provide for herself. Levi was also likeable. He had the perfect amount of masculinity without it being prideful. The story of him running from his home because it was haunted by his parents memories resonates with me and gave him more depth, I believe. I also liked that he wasn't super judgmental of Julia and accepted she had a daughter. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the book was how it threw in random chapters about other characters but then barely mentioned them again the whole book. For example Tess and her cop love interest. I think that was just two much. The book should've just switched back and forth between Julia, Levi and Luther. Any addition characters just got lost and caused confusion. Overall, great read.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this final book of the series, the story follows Levi Kinsinger, Lukas' younger brother. After leaving Charm shortly after his father's tragic death at the lumber mill, Levi worked in construction in Pinecraft for 6 months as he tried to deal with his grief. Recently returned, Levi realizes he's still mourning and can't be in the family home. So, he rents a small house near the lumber mill, despite his siblings' upset over it. When he meets his neighbor Julia Kemp and her five-year-old daughter Penny, he begins to hope that there is a happier future for him. But soon he realizes that Julia isn't who he thought she was. She carries a dark secret that she's hidden for years, and Levi has to come to terms with what he discovers.

This is a wonderful story about redemption, moving beyond one's past, and finding love in the most unexpected places.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read many Amish romances because they are usually more romance than substance. But I was hard up for something to download from the library that had a Christmas theme. I almost quit listening during the first couple chapters because I wasn’t seeing much happening, but finally a story with a little deeper plot began to emerge. It turned out to be a good story.