As the most joyous of seasons comes to the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, one young woman gets a chance to start again--and rediscover the gift of true love . . . Families rejoicing together, caroling parties full of cheer, and church get-togethers brimming with delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Ivy Weaver would give anything to be a part of Christmas in Wells Landing. But one reckless mistake made her an outsider, and it's all she can do now to tend to her ailing grandfather and make a living. She sure doesn't need Zeb Brenneman returning to help after he abandoned her for no reason. He's working hard to make amends, but Ivy isn't sure there's enough faith--or still-sparking love between them--to stir her forgiveness . . .
Zeb knows leaving Ivy was the biggest mistake he's ever made. Even though she won't hear him out, he's determined to prove he's become the trustworthy, steadfast man she truly deserves. But bright new chances and surprising revelations will give him and Ivy choices they never imagined. And finding their way back to each other will be the most challenging--and precious--Christmas gift of all . . .
I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)
Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.
This book kept me up reading it til after 2 a.m. last night. I really couldn't stop turning the pages as I read Ivy and Zeb's story. This is a very appealing story that has all the warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas with the elaborately delicious dinners to the garland and warm fellowship. I was invested in the book and felt as though Ivy was a friend sharing tea and pie with me while we talked over her worries and fear of being accepted by the community. There are so many layers of this book like a delicious dessert the further I read the better it gets. This is by far my favorite Amy Lillard book it left me with a great feeling and I feel like just hugging the book! Hmmm, would that be like hugging the characters, after all a book is not just a book the characters become family! The ending was superb and I really hope to see Ivy,Zeb and Dawdi in a future book. Pub Date 25 Sep 2018 Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is an emotional and moving story of love, friendship, forgiveness, grace and realizing our worth in God's eyes. Ivy Weaver is a special young Amish woman who cares for her grandfather and works but it is hard when he starts having memory issues. Her mother remarried after the death of Ivy's father and moved away. Zeb Brenneman and Ivy had a special relationship but when things didn't end well, Zeb moved to Pinecraft, Florida where he joined a more liberal Amish community. Two years later, Zeb is back visiting his family for the holiday. He would like to mend their relatisonship but Ivy is not ready. Zeb tries to show he cares for Ivy by helping her out with chores and care for her dawdi. Because of her dawdi's problems, she visited a new senior center just to check it out but drawn to visit the residents and met resident, Ethan Dallas. Ethan and Ivy become friends and both benefit from their friendship. He helps Ivy see herself as God's child and her need to forgive God, Zeb and especially herself for the past hurts. Ethan is dying and he benefits from their visits. It is heartwarming to watch Ivy as her faith grows and she realizes her faith alone earns her God's forgiveness and love, something that she cannot earn, contrary to what she has grown up believing. Only then can she love herself and allow others in. I was drawn into Ivy and Zeb's story and wanted things to work for them. It is obvious that they care for each other and both need healing from their past. This is a story that will stay with you after finishing the book. I recommend it for a special read anytime but especially during the Christmas season. I received a complimentary ARC from Zebra and Kensington Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. Thoughts and opinions stated are mine only.
We are back in Wells Landing and with some of the characters that we have come to love, and yes there are wonderful updates, but this is Ivy’s and Zeb’s story. Can you go back to a relationship? Some of these individuals don’t really think so, and one of these characters has purposely wrecked their reputation, but why? Well, as we learn the facts here, and want to hug each of these individuals, and shove them together, but it doesn’t look like they will make it. Enter a new hunk of a man, a man with a heart for God and his fellowman, but he is English, but will our girl forsake her beliefs and leave? This story has so much going for it, you are going to love Ivy’s grandfather, and we hope he doesn’t end up killing himself, or letting a woman grab him. Wow! Just a quick taste of what you are going to experience once you turn the covers of this book, and now I want more!
I received this book through Zebra Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard is the eighth book in A Wells Landing Romance series. Ivy Weaver lives in Wells Landing, Oklahoma where she has a reputation for wearing jeans, driving a car and kissing at least three boys (shocking). Ivy has been taking care of her grandfather, Yonnie since her mother married and moved out of state two years prior. She has yet to join the church because she does not feel worthy and she would need to confess her sin before the congregation. Ivy has her hands full taking care of Yonnie who has begun to lose his memory and act oddly. Zeb Brenneman broke her heart when he left and moved to Pinecraft. The last thing she expects is to see him back in Wells Landing. Ivy is rushing home after a call from her neighbor about Yonnie when she spots Zeb walking towards his family home. Zeb knows that leaving Ivy was a mistake and he wants to make amends. Zeb wants to prove to Ivy that he is trustworthy and earn her forgiveness along with her love. After Yonnie becomes hurt one day, Ivy visits the local nursing home, Whispering Pines. She meets Ethan Dallas who talks to her about God’s love, forgiveness and grace. Ivy begins to feel that there is hope for herself, her life and her relationship with Zeb. Can Ivy and Zeb find their way back to each other? Is there a chance for a Christmas miracle in Wells Landing?
A Wells Landing Christmas is nicely written story about forgiveness, love, hope, and grace. Ivy needs to forgive herself, but she has not been able to do it. She has a secret that keeps her from allowing people to get close. She feels left out of her community and is overwhelmed with caring for her grandfather. It is serendipitous that she visits Whispering Pines and finds someone who can understand her struggle. It is sweet how Ivy takes care of Yonnie. She is patient and understanding with him. She does not want to leave him alone, but Ivy must earn a living to pay their bills. You can feel Ivy’s emotions come through the pages (heartache, sadness, tension, loneliness, love). Her biggest struggle is unable to forgive herself for a sin. Zeb knows he made a mistake leaving and wants to atone plus earn his way back into Ivy’s heart. The path to love is bumpy, but it is rewarding. We all feel unworthy and need to remember that God will forgive us for our sins. All we must do is ask. I find it amusing that the Amish in Wells Landing cannot drive cars, but they are allowed to drive their tractors all over town. It seems a dangerous and loud mode of transportation with limited seating (how can it be safe). We get to see how gossip can harm a person’s reputation (no matter who started it). Gossip is not the truth, but people treat it as such. There are good life lessons in A Wells Landing Christmas. I like how the author handled the subjects of illness in elderly and their care. I wish the author had eliminated the repetition. Personally, I find it annoying when the same details are repeated throughout a book. A Wells Landing Christmas can be read as a standalone. A Wells Landing Christmas is a sweet, heartwarming Christmas story that will touch your heart.
Two hurting people in desperate need of a second chance that seems impossible until the spirit of Christmas takes hold. Ivy is ornery and Zeb's conflicted and judgement abounds in a community that's supposed to know better. A truly beautiful look at the power of forgiveness and the meaning of grace in action.
A Wells Landing Christmas By: Amy Lillard A heartwarming story that carries us back to Wells Landing. Lillard writes an inspirational story filled with romance, trust, faith, second chances, and forgiveness all in one story. The author grabbed me right at the start and I did not want to put it down. I was not disappointed. I loved the story and the characters, both were well written and well developed. There were several times that i had tears in my eyes and caught myself holding my breath. This story touched my heart. I felt sorry for Ivy and her ailing grandfather. Zeb left Ivy and Wells Landing two years ago , and now is back. Ivy made some mistakes, but should she not be forgiven by the Amish? Will these two young Amish learn to forgive and start over with their lives? Another great story by Amy Lillard. I was given an ARC copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
It is Christmas time in Wells Landing and Amy Lillard takes us back to Wells Landing to tell us the story of Ivy Weaver and Zeb Brenneman. Ivy spends her time working at the bakery to make ends meet, taking care of her grandfather, Yonnie, who suffers from "memory lapses" and occasionally wanders off. Ivy also spends some time at the local retirement home visiting the residents, especially, Ethan Dillon, whom Ivy has become very attached to Zeb Brenneman left Wells Landing two years ago, and moved to Pinecraft Florida where he lived among the Beachy Amish. Zeb and Ivy were a couple but the relationship ended when Zeb left. Ivy no longer wants anything to do with Zeb, but her old feelings that Ivy thought had "died" for Zeb start to surface. The couple also share a secret that no one else knows. A Wells Landing Christmas is a very heartfelt story for the Christmas season. It is a story of forgiveness, especially how to forgive oneself for the past, trust, faith, second chances, and some revelations that are a complete surprise. The characters in this book are very interesting and they will capture your heart. I, in particular, loved the relationship between Ethan Dillon and Ivy. For a book that will put you in the Christmas spirit, I suggest that you read A Wells Landing Christmas. I was provided a complimentary copy of A Wells Landing Christmas by the author and the opinion of this book and review are my own
A trip back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma at Christmas was a beautiful experience connecting with the community and characters in this latest book by Amy Lillard. I was invested in the story and stayed up to finish it late last night. Ivy Weaver and Zeb Brenneman had a past but Ivy had her hands full making a living and caring for her Dawdi, who was struggling at times with memory loss. This book is filled with old and new characters including some special English ones—I fell in love with Ethan Dallas and his perspective on life. This story is filled with friendship, heartbreak, forgiveness, second chances along with discovering unexpected kindness and learning to accept the past and God’s amazing grace and love. “Now is Not the Time for Tears” given to Ivy by Ethan gave her a lot to consider and ponder. There were some accidents, willing hands to aid and serious conversations to bring an absolute exquisite ending to this beautiful Christmas story. I would enjoy seeing future stories surrounding the hero and heroine along with Dawdi Yonnie.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required but I have expressed my sincere thoughts. An ARC copy of this book arrived finally after being lost in the mail from the author.
This is a story of forgiveness, but not just forgiveness of others. The biggest thing Ivy had to learn was to forgive herself, and seeing her character grow to this realization was really touching to me. I always know when I read a story my Amy Lillard that I'm going to love it. Add in a Christmas theme and I definitely sold. But this story was different for me to read in so many ways. Never have I connected with a character like I did Ivy. In a lot of ways she reminds me of myself (minus the Amish part obviously). What touched my heart even more was her grandfather, and the care that she gave him. When she made the first visit to the nursing home, I could just feel the tension, the doubt, the insecurities she was feeling. Knowing the Amish way of life and how they take care of each other, I understand the burden she had in making sure he was provided for. But Ivy is young, deserves a chance at a normal life, and was under immense pressure on a daily basis caring for him. I won't share how this part of the story line ended up, but I will say this. Ivy showed a lot of maturity for her age and handled situations better then I ever could.
Zeb and Ivy's story is sweet, heartbreaking, and wonderfully written. Their relationship certainly had ups and downs, but I thought they worked well together. Lillard touches on a lot of things in this book - caring for elders, Catholicism, Amish lifestyle, forgiveness and grace. She binds all these things beautifully together in a wonderful story that is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. I hope there is more stories to come from Wells Landing. It happens to be one of my favorite places to visit!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Amy Lillard has become one of my favorite Amish fiction writers. In a genre that can become a bit stale, she always keeps the stories fresh and the characters interesting. So interesting in fact, that I read this book in one day. Basically in one sitting. Yeah, it's that good!
This is a story about family, friendship, love, and second chances. At times it is an emotional read that had me smiling and then tearing up. Ivy has her hands full caring for her grandfather, Yonnie, who is quite the character at times. I loved reading about the gentle way she cared for him and was protective of him. It was easy to see the bond between the two. I also loved the way Zeb didn't back down when Ivy was rather harsh with him. It was clear to see that he cared for her and their story had me unable to put the book down. There are plenty of twists and turns that made me wonder if the two could ever recapture what they had years ago.
Readers of the author's books are sure to love a chance to return to Wells Landing. Realistic characters and storyline make this a quick, enjoyable read. Happy reading!!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
In A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard, we see that Ivy Weaver’s life is nothing like that of her peers. She has become an outsider in a very close-knit community and on top of that she is the sole caretaker of an ailing grandfather with many signs of dementia. In the middle of her chaotic life, Zeb Brenneman returns after being gone two years. With no one to turn to in her time of need, Ivy visits her new retirement/nursing center close to her home. She quickly discovers that they can not help her, but she might be able to bring the residents a little bit of joy by visiting. She soon befriends one resident and what started out as her being the helper, might just have turned into her getting the help she so desired. I loved how Lillard added the element of dementia and the nursing center. It is not in every Amish novel that one reads how God uses an Englisher to lead an Amish back on the right path. I give this novel five stars and recommend it to everyone who loves Amish or Inspirational Fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley.com and Zebra in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A heartwarming story showing how forgiving ourselves can be difficult and yet can be accomplished. By holding on to past mistakes, the characters have chosen unexpected paths in life. Will they forgive themselves and others and move on to a God centered, love filled life? While caring for others can cause stress, great blessings can appear. Wonderful story. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
Ivy’s grandfather, Yonnie Weaver, is a handful for her to care for. His mind is slipping. He keeps calling her by her mother’s name. He wanders off while she’s at work. Ivy has a secret but, it seems, so does Yonnie. Because of what she’s done, Ivy won’t join the church. She doesn’t want her secret revealed. She just can’t forgive herself.
Zebadiah Brenneman had been Ivy’s boyfriend until he moved to Pinecraft, Florida. He spent two years there among the Beachy Amish. Now he’s home for the holidays. It takes some doing but he finally talks Ivy into letting him help her with Yonnie and the farm. He tries to talk to her about what he’s learned in Florida. About “saved by grace”. Of course, that went against the Ordnung she followed.
Ivy went to visit a local retirement home and made a good friend there. He could tell Ivy was troubled and talked to her about God’s saving grace. Maybe Zeb was right. Would God forgive her and set her free? Could she have an assurance, not just hope, of heaven?
Pick up a copy of this book and read Ivy, Yonnie, and Zeb’s story. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip back to Wells Landing. Thank you Amy for another wonderful read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was such a delight!! To me, this is Amy Lillard's best yet!! I read it in almost one sitting because I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what happened to Ivy, Zeb and Dawdi next. The author sure could write like I was with the family. I enjoyed their company and plus the food. The Amish are wonderful cooks!! Ivy is a lot like me. She stubborn and wants no help from no one. I also like her because she's a loner like me, but unlike me I didn't do what she did. I do enjoy people to a certain extent. I loved Dawdi because he reminded me so much of my own grandfather. Especially towards the end of his life. This is where I admired Ivy a lot. I couldn't imagine taking on a whole lot like that. Dawdi made me laugh throughout this book. This is especially why I loved him. Zeb is beginning to grow up and take on a lot of responsibilities in which I admired. But like they always say, you can run but you can't hide. Especially from God. He always sees. There were some repetitive phrases that I didn't like. People can deny things all they want. But really what it all boils down to is God's plan for you. It's His will for He has a bigger plan for all of us. I recommend this book for anyone who feels like they can't handle what life throws your way. Read what Ivy goes through. This book has some uplifting scenes and a few Bible verses as well. You won't want to put it down!!
Ivy Weaver made a mistake years ago and her Amish community seems to ignore her. Ivy tends to her ailing Grandfather who's mind is failing. Ivy tries to work and take care of her Grandfather. Zed left town years ago and comes back and regrets leaving Ivy. He tries to show her he has changed but Ivy wants nothing but to care for her Grandfather. When he starts helping with the chores and helping with her Grandfathers care will Ivy see another side of him ? This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and love.
Loved going back to Wells Landing once again especially at Christmas time. Love how Zeb and Ivy worked out there issues. Also I felt sorry for how Ivy's grandpa was not well. I also loved the part when the people at the nursing home finally got some busts from their family members.
Ivy and Zebs story is heartbreaking and made me wonder what in the world was Ivy thinking of talking to him again, but when I seen how much her heart hurt for him it made me understand her so much more. Great read and super great ending!
A Wells Landing Christmas was an absolutely captivating story of two people, Zeb and Ivy, who completely captured my heart! I love the Wells Landing setting and have enjoyed other books set in this Amish community. Even if you have not read any of the other Wells Landing stories, you can easily read this one as a stand alone novel.
Right from the start, there was serious tension between Zeb and Ivy. The author slowly allowed the truth of their backstory to come to light a bit more with each passing chapter. And as I read, I began to fully understand the turmoil that Ivy had been going through for the past couple of years. She went on quite the emotional journey, growing a lot, and pondering the idea of being saved by grace versus being saved by works.
This story has such heart! It is the perfect Christmas tale, combining family, friends, love, forgiveness, and second chances. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Amy Lillard sure knows how to captivate her book reader audience with her latest book A Well’s Landing Christmas. Travel back to Well’s Landing and visit with some of the characters that you know and love. And meet new ones that you will surely come to love. This story is full of love, faith and forgiveness. Be sure to get your copy of a Well’s Landing Christmas today.
A WELLS LANDING CHRISTMAS by Amy Lillard is the eighth book in the A Wells Landing Romance Book series.
It is an extremely well written Christian Christmas story that will have you smiling, shaking your head, grabbing for the tissues, and holding your breath. The author weaves the true meaning of Christmas, unquestionable forgiveness, amazing grace, God’s unwavering love and faith in a way that this most amazing Christmas story will have you finding your Christmas spirit within its pages. Along the way you will see the importance of our elder and what they still have to contribute, comparison between some of the religious beliefs between different faiths that although may be different are quite a bit a like in so many ways, learn more about the Amish lifestyle and the mechanics of a loving family unit which is not always along bloodlines.
A WELLS LANDING CHRISTMAS is the story of Ivy Weaver and Zeb Brenneman and their strong and undying love. Even when disaster happens that pushes them apart and has Zeb moving to Pinecraft, Florida, their love is still there be it all but buried by hurt and fear. Zeb has thought he would solve things by moving away as in out of sight out of mind. He finds peace of sorts there through learning about the Beachy Amish. Ivy’s way of handling it was to start false rumors that create a bad reputation thus keeping everyone at bay. They find out that neither worked when Zeb shows back up in Wells Landing, Oklahoma to see his twin brother, Obie and his wife Clara Rose for Christmas.
Ivy is responsible for her Dawdi Yonnie when her Mother remarries and moves with her new husband to Indiana. He’s having a lot of memory problems that seem to be getting worse. She is at her wits end worrying about what to do when it soon become apparent that he can’t be left alone because she has to work to support them. What first appeared to be a major problem is also what thrust Zeb back into her life. They both realize that they still love each other, but each sees no way for it to ever materialize. After all, Ivy hasn’t joined the church yet so she can’t even date. She can’t join the church until she can face up to her past and bring it all out to light in front of the church. Zeb doesn’t feel it’s right to show interest again just to hurt her again when he returns to Florida.
It’s in the search for possible care for her Dawdi that she visits Whispering Pines Nursing home and meets Ethan Dallas. It’s through their budding friendship that he helps her understand God’s love and his forgiveness just for the asking but she has to forgive herself first. After the sudden death of Ethan just prior to Christmas, that Ivy realizes all that he has been trying to tell her through his love of Christ.
Can Ivy learn to forgive herself so that she can move on? How will she be able to take care of her Dawdi or will he be forced to move to Indiana to live with his daughter and her new husband? Will Ivy and Zeb every find true happiness and become the couple they both would so dearly to become? Pick up a copy of A WELLS LANDING CHRISTMAS to find the answers. Believe me, it’s a story you will love as much as I did. It’s an amazing Christmas story, but a story with truths to hear all year long. Who could use a little Christmas spirit in their soul all year long!
A WELLS LANDING CHRISTMAS is part of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone book. After reading it, and seeing how the author is a master of putting words to paper, you will be like me running to read other books not only in this series, but books by this author period. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Travel back to Wells Landing with Amy Lillard's latest novel in her Wells Landing series. If you haven't read the other books in the series, not to worry, you can start here and not be lost.
Ivy Weaver never meant to be alone. She was in love with Zeb Brenneman and thought they would be together forever. When he left her and headed for Pinecraft she was devastated, but she had her family to keep her going. That is until her mom got remarried and moved to Indiana, and her grandfather losing his grip on reality more and more each day. Ivy wishes she had friends, anyone really, to unburden herself to, but she has no one. Viscous rumors about her have spread like wildfire throughout the community and she has no one to blame but herself.
Zeb Brenneman is shocked to find himself back home. He has no idea why he felt the need to come back, but he did and he's starting to think maybe it was a mistake. It's easy to fool yourself into thinking you're over someone when you don't see them everyday but when you're back home and she is the first person you see, well things are bound to get complicated. He didn't want to go to Pincraft, FL not really but Ivy told him to go and he figured a clean break would give them both a second chance. When he gets home and finds out not only about the rumors flying around about Ivy, but also that she's left caring for her ailing grandfather, Zeb feels a little guilt and quite a bit of protectiveness. Now if he could only get Ivy to see that he wants to help maybe they can be friends and heal both their hearts.
A Wells Landing Christmas isn't your typical romantic read. Zeb and Ivy have some major baggage and while it takes a bit for what that exact baggage is you can feel her turmoil and grief. She struggles with trying to be an adult, work and take care of her grandfather. We all know how lonely it can be when you have no one to talk to. She worries that if her secret, that her grandfather isn't quite himself, gets out her mom will force them to move to Indiana. It's not what either she nor her grandfather, Yonnie want. She's determined to make the best of a rough situation.
Zeb had no idea his leaving would cause Ivy so much pain. In typical man fashion, he assumed she was thinking just like he was and him going away would make things easier on and for the both of them. Once he comes home however, he realizes everything he thought he knew was wrong. For one, he still loves Ivy, probably always has. His leaving sent her into a tail spin and he feels a like he has to fix it somehow. But how when Ivy won't look at him let alone talk to him.
Once you start A Wells Landing Christmas you won't be able to put it down. It is well written and the characters take on a life of their own. It's guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit and make you believe in faith, hope, and love. The only downside is it makes you want Christmas cookies and it's October!!
*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
This story is an emotional roller coaster filled with joy, tears, forgiveness and hope. I love how the author makes the characters so real. I felt like I was sitting with Ivy as she takes care of her grandfather who is ill. Christmastime is suppose to be joyful but Ivy doesn't really feel a part of the celebration. Wells Landing is filled with festive parties and family togetherness. My heart went out to Ivy as she sensed herself not part of the joyous celebrations going on.
We all make mistakes, but for Ivy her mistake caused her to become an outsider. It angered me that Zeb had deserted her and left her to face the community alone. The question now is why has Zeb come back after being away for so long? Will he try to find a way to get close to Ivy again?
I loved the part where Ivy realizes she needs to forgive God and herself. That can be so hard when you feel alone and miserable. Ivy has suffered for so long for her sin and I was on pins and needles waiting to see what she would do. When a crisis happens, Ivy has no choice but to ask Zeb for help. It was so nice to read how willing he was to help Ivy even though he knew she hadn't forgiven him for the past . With Zeb helping maybe Ivy can see that he has changed and wants to start over.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the friendship between Ethan and Ivy. She visits him at the nursing home and their connection is heartwarming. Ethan is a wise man and shares his faith with Ivy. I loved his examples that showed Ivy that people in the bible sinned and were forgiven. Ivy likes visiting Ethan and knows he is very ill. This part in the story was very touching and it reminded me of going to the nursing home to see my mother. I always felt so sad for the people who never had visitors. I'm so glad Ivy took time to befriend Ethan. He will instill in her much wisdom and comfort as the days go by.
What a wonderful story the author has written about forgiveness and trust. I loved how she talks about how important family is and how hard it can be to care for an elderly family member. Ivy and Zeb have much to work through. Christmas will be a new beginning for some in Wells Landing and for others a reminder that love conquers all.
" What a person wanted and what they ended up with were sometimes miles apart."
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Amy Lillard does it again. It was great to be back in Wells Landing, Oklahoma with many of the characters we've met before and have their stories continue. This is Zeb and Ivy's story. We learn their history in detail after much denial and ignorance. I liked how the story was woven with so many different tales being told and drawing in the various characters. Ivy's grandfather was in the mix of things throughout and I hope we get to meet him again in another Wells Landing or a Pinecraft, Florida story.
My emotions were engaged from the beginning. There was laughter and tears along with heartache and heartbreak. Once again a lack of communication will do in another couple or does it? The Amish beliefs were front and center but also Ivy's doubts along with her failure to commit to the church. There were Englischers that were central to the story as well as beliefs of the Catholic Church. The need for forgiveness was brought out and how you have to forgive yourself when asking for God's forgiveness. There are unexpected friendships that solidified quickly and other ones that have languished and died. There's a second chance romance that's going astray or is it?
I loved the relationship between Ivy and her grandfather but also the reality of her fears and his mental health and well being at the stage of life he is in. Zeb was a huge support to both of them and was always there and willing to pitch in with what she needed even given their history and how they parted years before. But Ivy doesn't know her feelings, or his, and continually pushes him away. There are lots of foods and baking, games, chores, services and injuries, along with love.
There is a depth to the characters but more stories to tell. There is some closure but more is needed. There are loose ends with a happily ever after in the offing. I have unanswered questions that I hope will be addressed in a future book so I have have the ahhhhhhhh moment I need!
Lillard is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction. I can't wait to see what she pens next.
A Wells Landing Christmas ia an amazing story of forgiveness and second chances written by Amy Lillard. This story takes the reader back to Wells Landing and reunites us with a few characters from previous books. The storyline takes its time being played out but the ending was well worth the wait.
The characters were very likeable and told the story beautifully. There was a young Amish woman Ivy Weaver who was having a difficult time dealing with ghosts from her past and a young Amish man, Zeb Brenneman, who loved Ivy so much that he kept forgiving her bad behavior. Ivy is also the soul caregiver to her elderly grossdawdi, Yonny, who is having difficulties with his memory and thought process but yet he was always loving and amusing. Together these three could make a wondetful family but there is to much working against them. I enjoyed this story and I am sure other readers will too.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Amy Lillard for writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy and I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
This was a truly gripping story full of secrets, surprises, and not least of all, love. Ivy Weaver's mother has remarried and moved to another state. Ivy decided not to go and stays in the home she grew up in to take care of her grandfather. She struggles to make a living and at the same time keep an eye on her grandfather who suffers from memory loss from time to time. Ivy fears losing her income, being called sporadically to "rescue" her grandfather. To add to her complications, her former beau, Zeb comes back to town after being away two years. They have a heartbreaking secret between the two of them that no one else knows about. Zeb keeps trying to get in her good graces as she keeps pushing him away. I couldn't help coming to love these characters. As much as they struggled with hardships, Zeb kept relating how trusting in God was the key. How he learned from the Beachy Amish in Florida that trusting in Jesus and his mercy and grace instead of works was the way to Heaven. Amy Lillard has a wonderful way of pulling everything together for an interesting conclusion. A very satisfying story to read and to spend a few hours in Wells Landing. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to write a review.
Christmas was, and is, a few months away as I read A Wells Landing Christmas. Where I live the trees are in the process of turning color and the nights are getting downright crisp but Amy Lillard transported me to the depths of an Oklahoma winter in just a matter of pages.
As with the rest of her books I found A Wells Landing Christmas to be a moving story, sometimes a little bittersweet, filled with many poignant moments and even a few chuckle-out-loud spots. I will confess that I don't read a lot of Christmas books but this one captured me from the start and I finished it in very short order.
Over the course of several books the characters of Wells Landing have become like old friends and it is so much fun to to return to that community, especially at Christmastime. And, of course, Zeb, Ivy, and Yonnie quickly became new friends.
A Wells Landing Christmas is a wonderful holiday read, whether it is the holiday season or a hot Christmas in July day. You'll be glad you read Amy Lillard's latest emotionally moving Amish story, I know I am...
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
This story is about Ivy, her Dawdi Yonnie, Zeb and Ethan, an English man. Zeb and Ivy had a history, but he moved away a few years back. He’s back and sees Ivy and finds that it’s just her and her Dawdi Yonnie, her mom remarried and moved away. He tries to help them , but she doesn’t want help. She feels like an outcast and seems to like it that way. He keeps trying.
Zeb starts getting feelings for Ivy again, but she won’t give him the chance. Her Dawdi is struggling with some health issues and Zeb keeps helping her take care of him. While checking out a facility that perhaps could help her with Dawdi Yonnie, she met Ethan. Ethan is a wonderful English man that offers Ivy a listening ear and kind words to help direct her. She enjoys spending time with Ethan and goes back as often as she can. She finally opens up to him and tells him she has a secret, he finally teaches her that God will forgive her if she asks, so she should forgive herself too. That is just what Ivy needed to hear.
Amy Lillard will put you on an emotional roller coaster with this book. You will be happy, sad, forgiving and hopeful. You will be rooting for Ivy and Zeb and your heart will go out to Dawdi Yonnie and Ethan. You won’t want to put the book down.
Every book in this series gets better and better. I come back to this series over and over again because I really love it. Lillard brings the characters of this community to life. Ivy is someone who I can see myself spending time with. I feel for her as she goes through so much.
Zeb and Ivy both have to go through the path to forgiveness and finding each other again. Can they see that the unique people in their lives as pointing them in the right direction or will they continue to hurt? Will they be drawn together or torn apart?
A beautiful story of faith, forgiveness, family and Christmas this is one story you don't want to miss. So take a trip to Wells Landing and enjoy another great book in this series. Happy Reading!
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*