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Every Amish Season #4
With Winter's First Frost
From bestselling author Kelly Irvin comes the fourth and final book in the compelling Every Amish Season series.
Will the long, cold winter prove to be Laura and Zechariah's season of renewed purpose and love sweetened with age?
Laura Kauffman has been a widow for eight years--since her husband of forty-five years passed away in his sleep on Christmas Eve. She tries to keep herself busy with her nine children, fifty-two grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. But she can't stop wondering: What does God expect her to do with her days now? Has her usefulness been expended? Why leave her to carry on alone? Those are questions she can't answer until a friend suffers complications during childbirth and needs someone to help care for her newborn twins and three older children. The twins' great-grandfather, Zechariah Stutzman, a widower himself, seems to need some upkeep as well. Suddenly, Laura has her hands full, and the long winter days don't seem so long.
Zechariah suffers from Parkinson's disease. When his wife died of breast cancer two years earlier, his children insisted he live with one of his grandsons and their growing family because of his disease's progression. He's not allowed to drive, chop wood, or build fires. He feels he has outlived his usefulness. Then Laura comes along and seems determined to change that.
Both Laura and Zechariah must seek God's will to find the purpose for this season in their lives. They have to be willing to trust and to accept that second chances for romantic love are possible--even probable--when they give control of their lives to God.
Will the long, cold winter prove to be Laura and Zechariah's season of renewed purpose and love sweetened with age?
Laura Kauffman has been a widow for eight years--since her husband of forty-five years passed away in his sleep on Christmas Eve. She tries to keep herself busy with her nine children, fifty-two grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. But she can't stop wondering: What does God expect her to do with her days now? Has her usefulness been expended? Why leave her to carry on alone? Those are questions she can't answer until a friend suffers complications during childbirth and needs someone to help care for her newborn twins and three older children. The twins' great-grandfather, Zechariah Stutzman, a widower himself, seems to need some upkeep as well. Suddenly, Laura has her hands full, and the long winter days don't seem so long.
Zechariah suffers from Parkinson's disease. When his wife died of breast cancer two years earlier, his children insisted he live with one of his grandsons and their growing family because of his disease's progression. He's not allowed to drive, chop wood, or build fires. He feels he has outlived his usefulness. Then Laura comes along and seems determined to change that.
Both Laura and Zechariah must seek God's will to find the purpose for this season in their lives. They have to be willing to trust and to accept that second chances for romantic love are possible--even probable--when they give control of their lives to God.
336 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2019
93 people are currently reading
1390 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Irvin
74 books831 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 79 reviews
July 25, 2022
This is an Amish Fiction/Clean Romance, and this is the 4th book in the Every Amish Season. I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters of this book. I really loved that in this book we follow an older Amish woman that her husband has passed away. I do not think their is enough books that shows older people has feelings as well. I was raised by my Grandmother, and I have always been close to the older people in my life. This book does a good job showing that older people still as life to live. I also enjoyed the Amish parts of this book.
February 1, 2019
I have read this whole series and enjoyed them all. I'm in awe of the covers to. Get ready to cozy up during this cold season and read this warm story of second chances. You are never to old for love. This Amish story is going to make you fall in love with the characters and be left wanting more.
July 27, 2022
What I enjoyed the most about this book is that it’s about Amish senior citizens. The main characters were all my age and it’s refreshing to read about older folks getting a second chance in love and being made to feel useful again. I related to the older characters in this book because I shared the same aches and pains that a few of them did. We do start losing our sense of worth when our children start telling us what we can do and what we can’t do. Our kids mean well and they do it out of love but in reality if too much is taken away from older people we tend to lose our will to go on living. This story was definitely different and realistic. The beautiful cover reached out to me and the story between the covers drew me in from the first chapter. I loved all the characters that added so much to the book. The ending was so beautiful and I did shed a few tears. The author has penned a very heart warming story.
Laura Kauffman is a 73 year old Amish lady who lives in a dawdyhaus on her daughter and son-in-law's property. She has been a widow for 9 years. She would never think of getting married again. No other man could ever take her late husband Eli Kauffman’s place in her life.
Zechariah Stutzman lost his wife to cancer two years ago. Then came his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. When the disease progresses Zechariah’s family moves him from his dawdyhaus to live with his grandson Ben and his family. Ben limits Zechariah on what he can do and what he can’t do. When Bens wife goes into labor to deliver twins and they are born prematurely Laura comes to take care of the children and keep tabs on Zechariah. He tells her to go home but Laura puts him in his place and he soon notices how pretty she still is. After a few evenings of late night checkers after the kids go to bed, Laura starts to notice that Zechariah has a nice smile and a good sense of humor. What could a stubborn 75 year old widower with advanced Parkinson’s Disease offer a pretty lady like Laura Kauffman, who talks too much? Is it too late to find love again at their age?
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and to fans of the Author. This is the 4th book of Kelly Irvin’s An Every Amish Season. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I was able to read this one as a stand alone book.
I won a copy of this book from the Author’s newsletter giveaway. A review was not requested. Because I enjoyed this book I choose to review it and all opinions expressed here are my own.
Laura Kauffman is a 73 year old Amish lady who lives in a dawdyhaus on her daughter and son-in-law's property. She has been a widow for 9 years. She would never think of getting married again. No other man could ever take her late husband Eli Kauffman’s place in her life.
Zechariah Stutzman lost his wife to cancer two years ago. Then came his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. When the disease progresses Zechariah’s family moves him from his dawdyhaus to live with his grandson Ben and his family. Ben limits Zechariah on what he can do and what he can’t do. When Bens wife goes into labor to deliver twins and they are born prematurely Laura comes to take care of the children and keep tabs on Zechariah. He tells her to go home but Laura puts him in his place and he soon notices how pretty she still is. After a few evenings of late night checkers after the kids go to bed, Laura starts to notice that Zechariah has a nice smile and a good sense of humor. What could a stubborn 75 year old widower with advanced Parkinson’s Disease offer a pretty lady like Laura Kauffman, who talks too much? Is it too late to find love again at their age?
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and to fans of the Author. This is the 4th book of Kelly Irvin’s An Every Amish Season. I haven’t read the other books in the series but I was able to read this one as a stand alone book.
I won a copy of this book from the Author’s newsletter giveaway. A review was not requested. Because I enjoyed this book I choose to review it and all opinions expressed here are my own.
February 20, 2019
This is the fourth and final book in the Every Amish Season series. I have had the good fortune of being able to read all of the books. One of the things I enjoyed about this book is revisiting so many characters from previous books. I love how realistic this book is, the events could have happened. Winter in this book not only refers to the time of year but the Winter season of our life. The Amish don't know what Gott has in store for them but they are accepting of it. I loved the fact this book had an older hero and heroine in them. It goes to show you are never to old for a second chance at love. I loved seeing how the community all come together when someone needs something and the support is there for each other. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next.
Published February 5th 2019 by Zondervan.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Published February 5th 2019 by Zondervan.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2019
What a fun book, would love to be in a room with the banter that the author has given us, between these seasoned individuals, had me laughing out loud!
A book that is going to make you think, and a faith that cares about their members and hate for them to go down the wrong path.
All the while you wonder if two seniors could possibly have a relationship, if the love of a great grandmother will convince her wayward greats to repent and stay in their faith.
We have new babies being born, a change of homes for a great grandfather, changes in their church, and more! A read that is going to have you page turning!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
A book that is going to make you think, and a faith that cares about their members and hate for them to go down the wrong path.
All the while you wonder if two seniors could possibly have a relationship, if the love of a great grandmother will convince her wayward greats to repent and stay in their faith.
We have new babies being born, a change of homes for a great grandfather, changes in their church, and more! A read that is going to have you page turning!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 19, 2019
With Winter’s First Frost by Kelly Irvin is the final book in An Every Amish Season series. Laura Kauffman has been a widow for the last eight years. She has retired as a midwife and the arthritis in her hands limits her activities. Laura is at loose ends and wonders what God has in store for her next. She is visiting Rosalie and Ben Stutzman’s home when Rosalie goes into early labor with twins. They need someone to stay and watch the three other children plus Ben’s grandfather, Zechariah who has Parkinson’s. Laura volunteers herself for the job and looks forward to fulfilling days.
Zechariah is a widower who has been moved out of home since his Parkinson’s started to worsen and forced to live with his various grandchildren. He loves each and every one of them, but Zechariah misses his independence. There is a long list of activities that he is not allowed to do including chopping wood, drive, build fires, and touch the cookstove (can you tell there was a fire incident at his last residence). Zechariah has become grumpy and disgruntled. He wonders if he has outlived his usefulness. Zechariah does not feel he needs Laura’s help with the house and kinner, but he soon finds that he enjoys her company. The days are filled with activities and the evenings with companionship. Too soon Rosalie and Ben return home with their new babies and Laura is sent back to her own home. Zechariah misses her company and their busy days. When Zechariah’s family starts making new plans for his life, he feels defeated. Laura has been missing Zechariah and decides to take matters into her own hands. Is it possible to find love in your twilight years?
With Winter’s First Frost is a charming story. If you have not read the other books in An Every Amish Season series, you will be fine. Each book can be read on its own. However, I do want to say that they are lovely to read as a collection (enjoy the four seasons with this delightful collection of characters). Characters from the first three books appear in With Winter’s First Frost. Winter refers not only to the season in which this book takes place, but to the later (or winter) years of our life (I like it phrased that way). I found the characters and situations to be realistic and relatable. I liked that With Winter’s First Frost features older main characters. They have wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Just because they are over 65 does not mean they have nothing to contribute (or need to be put out to pasture). Laura has had a busy and satisfying life as a wife, mother and midwife. Now that arthritis has affected her hands, she finds her days empty. She may not be able to knit or quilt, but Laura can assist with many other tasks. Zechariah lost his wife two years prior and he has Parkinson’s disease. His family was worried about him living alone and moved him in with one of his grandson’s. After several months at that house, Zechariah is now living with Ben, Rosalie and their three children. There are a number of rules for Zechariah and he is not allowed to do any of the activities that he enjoys. Zechariah feels inept which has made his grumpy (a sourpuss). No matter what our age and issues, we like to be helpful and busy. No one wants to be burden on their family. With Winter’s First Frost is well-written with a gentle pace. While the story focuses on Zechariah and Laura, there are subplots involving members of their families as well as the picking of a new bishop. With Winter’s First Frost we get to see that we are never to old to learn, adapt or find love. God is full of surprises and has a plan for our lives as we see in With Winter’s First Frost. We just need to trust Him. If you are looking for a heartfelt Amish romance, pick up With Winter’s First Frost.
Zechariah is a widower who has been moved out of home since his Parkinson’s started to worsen and forced to live with his various grandchildren. He loves each and every one of them, but Zechariah misses his independence. There is a long list of activities that he is not allowed to do including chopping wood, drive, build fires, and touch the cookstove (can you tell there was a fire incident at his last residence). Zechariah has become grumpy and disgruntled. He wonders if he has outlived his usefulness. Zechariah does not feel he needs Laura’s help with the house and kinner, but he soon finds that he enjoys her company. The days are filled with activities and the evenings with companionship. Too soon Rosalie and Ben return home with their new babies and Laura is sent back to her own home. Zechariah misses her company and their busy days. When Zechariah’s family starts making new plans for his life, he feels defeated. Laura has been missing Zechariah and decides to take matters into her own hands. Is it possible to find love in your twilight years?
With Winter’s First Frost is a charming story. If you have not read the other books in An Every Amish Season series, you will be fine. Each book can be read on its own. However, I do want to say that they are lovely to read as a collection (enjoy the four seasons with this delightful collection of characters). Characters from the first three books appear in With Winter’s First Frost. Winter refers not only to the season in which this book takes place, but to the later (or winter) years of our life (I like it phrased that way). I found the characters and situations to be realistic and relatable. I liked that With Winter’s First Frost features older main characters. They have wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Just because they are over 65 does not mean they have nothing to contribute (or need to be put out to pasture). Laura has had a busy and satisfying life as a wife, mother and midwife. Now that arthritis has affected her hands, she finds her days empty. She may not be able to knit or quilt, but Laura can assist with many other tasks. Zechariah lost his wife two years prior and he has Parkinson’s disease. His family was worried about him living alone and moved him in with one of his grandson’s. After several months at that house, Zechariah is now living with Ben, Rosalie and their three children. There are a number of rules for Zechariah and he is not allowed to do any of the activities that he enjoys. Zechariah feels inept which has made his grumpy (a sourpuss). No matter what our age and issues, we like to be helpful and busy. No one wants to be burden on their family. With Winter’s First Frost is well-written with a gentle pace. While the story focuses on Zechariah and Laura, there are subplots involving members of their families as well as the picking of a new bishop. With Winter’s First Frost we get to see that we are never to old to learn, adapt or find love. God is full of surprises and has a plan for our lives as we see in With Winter’s First Frost. We just need to trust Him. If you are looking for a heartfelt Amish romance, pick up With Winter’s First Frost.
March 1, 2021
Well, I am happy to say you don't have to read every book in Every Amish Season series because I skipped the first three to read, With Winter's First Frost. The skipping wasn't intentional on my part because it showed up in my library's catalog and I have normally enjoyed reading Amish fiction by Kelly Irvin, and I wasn't disappointed.
With Winter's First Frost, we are introduced to Zechariah and Laura both widowers. Zechariah is dealing with a Parkinson's diagnosis, he's not feeling very useful, and is experiencing being shuffled around with his children. Laura is a former midwife and she is really feeling the aches and pains, memory loss, and yes not feeling useful. I really resonated with this because I work with seniors, and I felt that Ms. Irvin adeptly captured how seniors do feel that they have been left out in the cold so to speak. I really liked the spunkiness of both Zechariah and Laura. It was a nice change to see older characters falling in love for the second time...
With Winter's First Frost, we are introduced to Zechariah and Laura both widowers. Zechariah is dealing with a Parkinson's diagnosis, he's not feeling very useful, and is experiencing being shuffled around with his children. Laura is a former midwife and she is really feeling the aches and pains, memory loss, and yes not feeling useful. I really resonated with this because I work with seniors, and I felt that Ms. Irvin adeptly captured how seniors do feel that they have been left out in the cold so to speak. I really liked the spunkiness of both Zechariah and Laura. It was a nice change to see older characters falling in love for the second time...
January 27, 2019
I will give this book 5 stars simply put I love this author and her works!!
I can almost always count on her to draw me into each story she writes.
I especially love her new series Tell her no lies. I definitely recommend that!!
I like this particular story because it offers hope for elderly people that they can still find love again.
What I didn't like was how they shuffled poor Zacariah around from home to home. I thought that was just terrible!! (I couldn't imagine having that many children grands and great brands to begin with. I was raised alone)
I had a little trouble deciding on hiw to pronounce Tamara's name as well
I hated what she did!
Laura is mostly quiet, reserved and sometimes outspoken when need be. It's why I like her. I admire her for many reasons.
Zacariah is described perfectly!! But then I'd be that way too if I couldnt be useful and everyone was taking things away from me.
I loved his life shenanigans there in between and I laughed outright.
I do love the caring ways the Amish display for their children. In our world it's what they call tough love.
Sometimes that is the best thing to have because it might make the children more responsible and more respective towards their elders.
While I don't always approve the Amish ways like for example the way they say you can't get to heaven if u leave the fold. That's not true.
We are saved by Grace and that includes anyone who asks Jesus into their hearts.
In other ways we can also learn from the Amish. They know how to live off the land and other things as well. For one day when the antichrist comes and we are no longer able to be in society without the mark of the beast we'll need that knowledge.
I strongly recommend this book!!
She is a great author and will charm you before you know what hit you. She has me and I have never looked back.
I will always looked forward to see what she has in store for the future
I was given a copy with no compensation required. All opinions are my own!!
I can almost always count on her to draw me into each story she writes.
I especially love her new series Tell her no lies. I definitely recommend that!!
I like this particular story because it offers hope for elderly people that they can still find love again.
What I didn't like was how they shuffled poor Zacariah around from home to home. I thought that was just terrible!! (I couldn't imagine having that many children grands and great brands to begin with. I was raised alone)
I had a little trouble deciding on hiw to pronounce Tamara's name as well
I hated what she did!
Laura is mostly quiet, reserved and sometimes outspoken when need be. It's why I like her. I admire her for many reasons.
Zacariah is described perfectly!! But then I'd be that way too if I couldnt be useful and everyone was taking things away from me.
I loved his life shenanigans there in between and I laughed outright.
I do love the caring ways the Amish display for their children. In our world it's what they call tough love.
Sometimes that is the best thing to have because it might make the children more responsible and more respective towards their elders.
While I don't always approve the Amish ways like for example the way they say you can't get to heaven if u leave the fold. That's not true.
We are saved by Grace and that includes anyone who asks Jesus into their hearts.
In other ways we can also learn from the Amish. They know how to live off the land and other things as well. For one day when the antichrist comes and we are no longer able to be in society without the mark of the beast we'll need that knowledge.
I strongly recommend this book!!
She is a great author and will charm you before you know what hit you. She has me and I have never looked back.
I will always looked forward to see what she has in store for the future
I was given a copy with no compensation required. All opinions are my own!!
November 14, 2020
I love this story. In ways it is certainly close to home for me as a part time caregiver for my eighty seven year old mother and three year old granddaughter. What a blend of worlds.
Laura and Zechariah are a riot of knowledge, experience, faith, caring and cantankerous humor. They make me think of my thirty something years with my husband and remind me time is precious. They both love their families and they are protectively loved by them. As they have aged, they both feel what time has done to their bodies and observe that younger people don't get it that their spirits and minds are ageless. This is a great book that truly 'shows' how an older person can feel. There are excellent descriptions of the loss, weakening and yes, even anger at the changes it brings. It is an Amish story but it is also an elder story too. I highly recommend this book for any adult. It gives hope, humor and truly shows insight into the aging generation and their value.
This is part of a series but it is certainly a stand-alone book that has been a delight for me to read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this treasure. Now I want to read the others in the series!
Laura and Zechariah are a riot of knowledge, experience, faith, caring and cantankerous humor. They make me think of my thirty something years with my husband and remind me time is precious. They both love their families and they are protectively loved by them. As they have aged, they both feel what time has done to their bodies and observe that younger people don't get it that their spirits and minds are ageless. This is a great book that truly 'shows' how an older person can feel. There are excellent descriptions of the loss, weakening and yes, even anger at the changes it brings. It is an Amish story but it is also an elder story too. I highly recommend this book for any adult. It gives hope, humor and truly shows insight into the aging generation and their value.
This is part of a series but it is certainly a stand-alone book that has been a delight for me to read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this treasure. Now I want to read the others in the series!
February 27, 2019
With Winter’s First Frost is the final book in Kelly Irvin’s Every Amish Season series. The characters in this series are just wonderful and it is easy to follow their stories throughout every book. They have great comradery and it would be a pleasure to get to know these individuals if they were not fiction
This final novel shares with us Laura Kauffman’s new chapter in life when she strikes up an old friendship with Zechariah Stutzman. Both are in their 70’s and faced the loss of their spouse. They long to feel useful and needed and to not be a burden to their families. They had a great dynamic between the two and it was as if you were actually watching them when they bantered back and forth. It really reminded me of people I know.
Although this is a series book, it could be read as a stand-alone novel.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
This final novel shares with us Laura Kauffman’s new chapter in life when she strikes up an old friendship with Zechariah Stutzman. Both are in their 70’s and faced the loss of their spouse. They long to feel useful and needed and to not be a burden to their families. They had a great dynamic between the two and it was as if you were actually watching them when they bantered back and forth. It really reminded me of people I know.
Although this is a series book, it could be read as a stand-alone novel.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 5, 2018
A wonderful contemporary story full of faith, family, friendship and love!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, set in the Amish community in Jamesport, Missouri. I felt immersed in the story from the beginning, as the families merged during one crisis and continued to help each other with each new challenge. It was like landing in a family reunion at first, but the main characters were easy to sort out. (The reference in the beginning was helpful too.) Anyone who has experienced caring for older parents while taking care of their own children--the 'sandwich generation'--will understand the dilemmas surrounding the older characters in this heart tugging story.
I loved the banter between Laura and Zechariah, as they went from acquaintances to allies, then a tender friendship. Their struggles with loss, moving on, feeling useless, helpless and disrespected at times, were things many of us older adults could relate to. Their wisdom and faith, backed up with prayer and service, were inspirational. Learning to let go of what we cannot control, and trusting God for guidance, renewed purpose, and looking to Him for help in meeting our needs (both spiritual and physical) were important lessons here. I loved the ending. It was a perfect wrap up. I want to go back and read the other books in this series now!
An inspirational and heartfelt story perfect for readers teenaged and up. Recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, set in the Amish community in Jamesport, Missouri. I felt immersed in the story from the beginning, as the families merged during one crisis and continued to help each other with each new challenge. It was like landing in a family reunion at first, but the main characters were easy to sort out. (The reference in the beginning was helpful too.) Anyone who has experienced caring for older parents while taking care of their own children--the 'sandwich generation'--will understand the dilemmas surrounding the older characters in this heart tugging story.
I loved the banter between Laura and Zechariah, as they went from acquaintances to allies, then a tender friendship. Their struggles with loss, moving on, feeling useless, helpless and disrespected at times, were things many of us older adults could relate to. Their wisdom and faith, backed up with prayer and service, were inspirational. Learning to let go of what we cannot control, and trusting God for guidance, renewed purpose, and looking to Him for help in meeting our needs (both spiritual and physical) were important lessons here. I loved the ending. It was a perfect wrap up. I want to go back and read the other books in this series now!
An inspirational and heartfelt story perfect for readers teenaged and up. Recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
December 10, 2018
I've read many of Kelly Irvin's Amish Fiction books and this is the one that has every single character Kelly has produced--well almost. I must say that if this book were to be produced into a play, it would take a whole Amish settlement to fully fill the cast. But the play would be entertaining for sure.
Playing the leading lady would be Laura, a widow of some years, with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Playing the leading man is Zechariah, a crotchety old widower with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among the supporting cast are the sons and daughters of Laura and Zechariah, along with their children and grandchildren. The plot is rife with the cares and foibles of the characters. It moves at a pretty good clip, keeping the reader engaged and involved to the very last page. For instance, granddaughter Tamara's jumping the fence, and Hannah's unborn baby. The biggest plot issue is whether two elderly people can find love again after raising families and knowing the love of a good spouse. It's all here. All you have to do is read the book.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a gingerbread cookie for your hot cocoa
My Thanks to Zondervan Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Playing the leading lady would be Laura, a widow of some years, with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Playing the leading man is Zechariah, a crotchety old widower with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among the supporting cast are the sons and daughters of Laura and Zechariah, along with their children and grandchildren. The plot is rife with the cares and foibles of the characters. It moves at a pretty good clip, keeping the reader engaged and involved to the very last page. For instance, granddaughter Tamara's jumping the fence, and Hannah's unborn baby. The biggest plot issue is whether two elderly people can find love again after raising families and knowing the love of a good spouse. It's all here. All you have to do is read the book.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a gingerbread cookie for your hot cocoa
My Thanks to Zondervan Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 1, 2019
I have had the opportunity to read the entire Every Amish Seasons series and I have enjoyed them all. This is the fourth book in the series and I just loved reading this book. Each book brings the season right into the story and this novel is no different. With winter in the forefront of our minds, Laura is facing her own winter of grief, sadness, loss and health situations that come with aging. Despite a difficult season, romance is woven through this story. I really enjoy With Winter's Frost and I know you will too. Grab your copy today.
February 4, 2019
With Winter’s First Frost is the story of widows and widowers. Laura and Zechariah have both lost their spouses and are seeking to find their place in the late years of their lives. They will face more heartache, but perhaps they might face it together.
This was such a sweet, poignant read. I adored Laura and Zechariah’s story. Both are endearing characters that you will fall in love with from the very beginning. And the banter between them! Be still my heart. The banter is pure gold. I could easily picture my own grandparents and how they used to act as I read the conversations between Laura and Zechariah.
The nuances of each character made them all special to me. It wasn’t just Laura and Zechariah that I worried about. I also needed to find out what would happen to Hannah, Abel, and Tamara…along with everyone else. As I expected since this is an Amish novel, the thread of faith was nice and strong. Laura and Zechariah repeatedly stated the mantra that God’s will be done. That is as it should be. God’s will above our will.
With Winter’s First Frost is a great reminder that growing old does not mean you have lost all purpose for your life. It only means that you have a new purpose and a wealth of experience that those around you should be happy to hear. A second chance at love can appear at any stage in life.
I recommend this book for all readers…no matter their age. The main characters might be elderly, but that only makes their advice that much more valid and necessary and their second chance at love more powerful. Never discount the advice of your peers. They won’t be around forever, and someday you’ll wish you could ask them just one more question.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”
This was such a sweet, poignant read. I adored Laura and Zechariah’s story. Both are endearing characters that you will fall in love with from the very beginning. And the banter between them! Be still my heart. The banter is pure gold. I could easily picture my own grandparents and how they used to act as I read the conversations between Laura and Zechariah.
The nuances of each character made them all special to me. It wasn’t just Laura and Zechariah that I worried about. I also needed to find out what would happen to Hannah, Abel, and Tamara…along with everyone else. As I expected since this is an Amish novel, the thread of faith was nice and strong. Laura and Zechariah repeatedly stated the mantra that God’s will be done. That is as it should be. God’s will above our will.
With Winter’s First Frost is a great reminder that growing old does not mean you have lost all purpose for your life. It only means that you have a new purpose and a wealth of experience that those around you should be happy to hear. A second chance at love can appear at any stage in life.
I recommend this book for all readers…no matter their age. The main characters might be elderly, but that only makes their advice that much more valid and necessary and their second chance at love more powerful. Never discount the advice of your peers. They won’t be around forever, and someday you’ll wish you could ask them just one more question.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”
June 7, 2019
The story is set on two families. Though it mostly on two senior citizens and this it really good. I have not read many stories about seniors in the Amish. This is one really well written story. They are in their 70's and it about romance with them.
The author show both points of view for both senior citizens. Will they find love and second chances? Laura seems ready to join her last husband. But God seems to have other plans. Zachariah seems a little bitter and grouchy after his wife passes away. He is also dealing with a disease. What will happen when his family get involved in what he can and cannot do?
The author jumps into different topics like Parkinson. There are others things as well. It the way she she shows you how some of the Amish deal with different diseases and mistakes of the young. There so much going on that you will be surprised at how it all comes together.
There seems to be several different plots going on though out the book. The main plot is about Laura and Zachariah. There is also both families. What will happen and will Gods will be done.
The author show both points of view for both senior citizens. Will they find love and second chances? Laura seems ready to join her last husband. But God seems to have other plans. Zachariah seems a little bitter and grouchy after his wife passes away. He is also dealing with a disease. What will happen when his family get involved in what he can and cannot do?
The author jumps into different topics like Parkinson. There are others things as well. It the way she she shows you how some of the Amish deal with different diseases and mistakes of the young. There so much going on that you will be surprised at how it all comes together.
There seems to be several different plots going on though out the book. The main plot is about Laura and Zachariah. There is also both families. What will happen and will Gods will be done.
June 17, 2019
I loved reading With Winter's First Frost by Kelly Irvin. She pulled at my heartstrings with this book's message. I felt like she wrote it just for me. I'm a widow, a young widow to be more specific. I have found myself questioning some things in my life, relationship wise. This book's message answered that.
Thank you Kelly Irvin for writing this book, I am ever thankful that you did. And I'm thankful that your publisher liked it so much to print the book for us readers to read.
I received a free copy from NetGalley. The only request was for me to leave an honest review about the book.
Thank you Kelly Irvin for writing this book, I am ever thankful that you did. And I'm thankful that your publisher liked it so much to print the book for us readers to read.
I received a free copy from NetGalley. The only request was for me to leave an honest review about the book.
September 11, 2024
A fun book .
I love the way Kelly Irvin draws you into the story. The story quickly starts off with good banter with the main characters Laura & Zechariah. There is faith, friendship and learning to let go what we can not control . The story dealt with dealing with Parkinson's and wisdom with senior citizens.
A love story with compassion and trusting God.
I love the way Kelly Irvin draws you into the story. The story quickly starts off with good banter with the main characters Laura & Zechariah. There is faith, friendship and learning to let go what we can not control . The story dealt with dealing with Parkinson's and wisdom with senior citizens.
A love story with compassion and trusting God.
March 3, 2019
With Winter’s First Frost is the story of Laura Kaufman and Zechariah Stutzman that I met in the earlier books of Kelly Irvin’s series, An Every Amish Season. I appreciate seeing the hero and heroine as great grandparents, facing health issues, their wisdom and faith along with discovering a new love. There’s plenty of family drama with their numerous children, grandchildren and great grands that showed the realistic picture of the Amish caring for their elders.
Zechariah felt useless with his disease and his family telling him what to do or not to do. Laura was compassionate and outspoken at times but with twists and turns in the story they both knew God’s time for all things was best. Kelly Irvin’s writing was heartfelt throughout this story and rest of the series. I enjoyed the epilogue that gave inside into the lives of a few of the secondary characters that faced struggles and made it through with Laura and Zechariah’s love, wisdom and encouragement.
I look forward to reading more of Kelly Irvin’s books in the future. I was not required to write a review for this book, but have shared my own thoughts.
Zechariah felt useless with his disease and his family telling him what to do or not to do. Laura was compassionate and outspoken at times but with twists and turns in the story they both knew God’s time for all things was best. Kelly Irvin’s writing was heartfelt throughout this story and rest of the series. I enjoyed the epilogue that gave inside into the lives of a few of the secondary characters that faced struggles and made it through with Laura and Zechariah’s love, wisdom and encouragement.
I look forward to reading more of Kelly Irvin’s books in the future. I was not required to write a review for this book, but have shared my own thoughts.
February 11, 2019
With Winter's First Frost is a memorable story of second chances and friendship. Laura is a great-grandmother. Her husband passed away years ago after over 40 years of marriage. When a friend in the community needs to have her babies in the hospital, Laura goes in to help the family. And that means being around Zachariah. He is a great-grandfather and his wife passed away years ago as well. Now he is battling Parkinson's and just wants to feel needed in a family full of young people.
Laura and Zachariah form a friendship that shows you can still love, even in old age.
This is a great story and I loved all the characters in the story. Tamara and how she wants to leave the Amish to be a doctor and Hannah who is dealing with a shunning. Overall I wanted to see how everyone turned out and it couldn't have been better.
Laura and Zachariah form a friendship that shows you can still love, even in old age.
This is a great story and I loved all the characters in the story. Tamara and how she wants to leave the Amish to be a doctor and Hannah who is dealing with a shunning. Overall I wanted to see how everyone turned out and it couldn't have been better.
April 22, 2019
Book Review “With Winter’s First Frost” by Kelly Irvin
This is a well thought-out story of a 73 year old widow, by the name of Laura Kauffman, who wonders if God still has a purpose for her, after the death of her husband Eli. Told from an accurate and empathetic viewpoint, I enjoyed this book’s depth of meaning and the realistic characters, Laura, Zechariah, Ruby, Hannah, Mary Katherine, Jennie, and Abel.
A handy reference guide is at the beginning of the book, which explains who is whom, in each family, and…a glossary of the German dialect spoken by the Amish people in this particular community, which I thought were so helpful in keeping things smooth and understandable!
Zechariah is a widower who is in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Kelly Irvin dealt with this illness and it’s toll on the victim with much insight and compassion. My own dad died from complications due to Parkinson’s, and each situation Zechariah was in, brought back a memory.
As a mature older woman, Laura’s perspective was one I, and other older women, can relate to. Even if you’re not a senior citizen yet, I think you can gain some wisdom and knowledge about life after 50, if you read With Winter’s First Frost. Kelly presented a strong spiritual message, faith and hope in Jesus and God. I do recommend this book to people who want to read a story with substance and cohesiveness, that’s easy to relate to in one way or another. Thank you, Kelly Irvin.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This is a well thought-out story of a 73 year old widow, by the name of Laura Kauffman, who wonders if God still has a purpose for her, after the death of her husband Eli. Told from an accurate and empathetic viewpoint, I enjoyed this book’s depth of meaning and the realistic characters, Laura, Zechariah, Ruby, Hannah, Mary Katherine, Jennie, and Abel.
A handy reference guide is at the beginning of the book, which explains who is whom, in each family, and…a glossary of the German dialect spoken by the Amish people in this particular community, which I thought were so helpful in keeping things smooth and understandable!
Zechariah is a widower who is in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Kelly Irvin dealt with this illness and it’s toll on the victim with much insight and compassion. My own dad died from complications due to Parkinson’s, and each situation Zechariah was in, brought back a memory.
As a mature older woman, Laura’s perspective was one I, and other older women, can relate to. Even if you’re not a senior citizen yet, I think you can gain some wisdom and knowledge about life after 50, if you read With Winter’s First Frost. Kelly presented a strong spiritual message, faith and hope in Jesus and God. I do recommend this book to people who want to read a story with substance and cohesiveness, that’s easy to relate to in one way or another. Thank you, Kelly Irvin.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
February 20, 2019
With Winter's First Frost is the fourth fantastic book written by Kelly Irvin in her An Every Amish Season series. I absolutely loved this story. The author has ended her series with another great addition. I really didn't want the story to end. She did a wonderful job telling this story thru all of her amazing characters. This story teaches us several lesson but the one I really learned is to never give up God is always at work.
I enjoyed Laura and Zechariah's story immensely. Even tho they were in the later years of their lives they didn't let anyone determine what they should be doing. I learned a lot about Parkinson's disease and how to make someone suffering with it to still feel useful. Their story is definitely a grand love story. The cover draws you in and all the descriptions made you feel part of the story.
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. I only wish there was another story to continue Hannah and Tamara's stories.
Congratulations to Kelly Irvin on writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy. I look forward to more amazing stories from this author in the future.
I enjoyed Laura and Zechariah's story immensely. Even tho they were in the later years of their lives they didn't let anyone determine what they should be doing. I learned a lot about Parkinson's disease and how to make someone suffering with it to still feel useful. Their story is definitely a grand love story. The cover draws you in and all the descriptions made you feel part of the story.
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. I only wish there was another story to continue Hannah and Tamara's stories.
Congratulations to Kelly Irvin on writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy. I look forward to more amazing stories from this author in the future.
March 24, 2019
Relatable, Insightful and Memorable
Kelly Irvin is an author whose work is relatively new to me. With Winter’s First Frost is the fourth book in the Every Amish Season Novels and I absolutely loved this book.
Laura Kauffman was one of my favorite characters, the kind of woman you would love to have as a mother or grandmother. I could relate to her physical aches and pains that come with getting older, understood the grief she felt even after being a widow for so many years and appreciated her willing, loving and helpful spirit to so many of her family and friends. I came to appreciate, understand and care about Zechariah Stutzman through Laura’s eyes. He wasn’t just a difficult cranky old man. He was funny and intelligent and a man who grieved the loss of his beloved wife. Because of Parkinson’s his body wasn’t cooperating with him and it made daily life difficult, so much so that this family tried to protect him and even seemed to treat him like a child. Was he just a burden to his family now or was he still useful? Dare these older people think about or ever hope to find love again so late in life?
A part of the story I found interesting was Laura’s two great-granddaughters, Tamara and Hannah. Both were facing critical decisions in their young lives that would impact their futures. Not to get off track, but I wondered how the Amish could biblically justify banning a member of their community when the person genuinely repented of their sin and sought forgiveness. I found the way that the older parents were treated somewhat bothersome. I appreciate that the Amish care for their elderly family members, but in this story, it seemed as if they were treated in a manner like you would a child, instead of respected intelligent adult.
Kelly is gifted writer and is able to weave a story and capture, in a very relatable way, what characters are thinking and feeling in their season of life. I could understand the memories, fears, sorrow, hopes and desires that these characters expressed. Kelly is very insightful in bringing these characters to life and they are very memorable, I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading the book. She paints a picture of the Amish community with her words that is beautiful, interesting and intriguing.
I’ve not read too many Amish themed books, but I love Kelly Irvin’s writing and I highly recommend With Winter’s First Frost. It’s a beautiful story with rich, loveable and relatable characters in a season of life that many of us may face.
I would like to thank BookLook and Zondervan for the opportunity to read With Winter’s First Frost by Kelly Irvin in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Kelly Irvin is an author whose work is relatively new to me. With Winter’s First Frost is the fourth book in the Every Amish Season Novels and I absolutely loved this book.
Laura Kauffman was one of my favorite characters, the kind of woman you would love to have as a mother or grandmother. I could relate to her physical aches and pains that come with getting older, understood the grief she felt even after being a widow for so many years and appreciated her willing, loving and helpful spirit to so many of her family and friends. I came to appreciate, understand and care about Zechariah Stutzman through Laura’s eyes. He wasn’t just a difficult cranky old man. He was funny and intelligent and a man who grieved the loss of his beloved wife. Because of Parkinson’s his body wasn’t cooperating with him and it made daily life difficult, so much so that this family tried to protect him and even seemed to treat him like a child. Was he just a burden to his family now or was he still useful? Dare these older people think about or ever hope to find love again so late in life?
A part of the story I found interesting was Laura’s two great-granddaughters, Tamara and Hannah. Both were facing critical decisions in their young lives that would impact their futures. Not to get off track, but I wondered how the Amish could biblically justify banning a member of their community when the person genuinely repented of their sin and sought forgiveness. I found the way that the older parents were treated somewhat bothersome. I appreciate that the Amish care for their elderly family members, but in this story, it seemed as if they were treated in a manner like you would a child, instead of respected intelligent adult.
Kelly is gifted writer and is able to weave a story and capture, in a very relatable way, what characters are thinking and feeling in their season of life. I could understand the memories, fears, sorrow, hopes and desires that these characters expressed. Kelly is very insightful in bringing these characters to life and they are very memorable, I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading the book. She paints a picture of the Amish community with her words that is beautiful, interesting and intriguing.
I’ve not read too many Amish themed books, but I love Kelly Irvin’s writing and I highly recommend With Winter’s First Frost. It’s a beautiful story with rich, loveable and relatable characters in a season of life that many of us may face.
I would like to thank BookLook and Zondervan for the opportunity to read With Winter’s First Frost by Kelly Irvin in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
February 19, 2019
Rating 4.5 Stars!
Today's book is With Winter's First Frost by Kelly Irvin, and it's the fourth book in the series, Every Amish Season. When I saw it available for review on NetGalley, I knew I HAD to read it since I've already had the opportunity read the first book, Upon A Spring Breeze, the second book, Beneath the Summer Sun, and the third book, Through the Autumn Air.
Usually my mother reads the books about the Amish that I receive, but she's having some medical issues with her eyes right now, so I have to step up and handle them. This book was released February 5th, so I wanted to be sure to get my post out for everyone.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NRSV-CE
The Every Amish Season series itself has been about a group of women who are all in different seasons of life. The women all differ by age and number of children, but they all share one thing in common – they have all lost their husbands and are now facing life after loss. This book will be the conclusion to this series.
Laura Kauffman and Zechariah Stutzman are both in their 70's and have both lost their spouses. They have both faced loss and heartache, but perhaps they might face it together. Both Laura and Zechariah are strong and caring people who really want to feel needed and useful in their older years. As they got to know each other, I really enjoyed the banter between Laura and Zechariah, starting as acquaintances but developing into much more.
Each of Laura and Zechariah's children are a bit overprotective of them and find it a struggle to figure out how to take care of them while at the same time allowing them to take care of themselves and to live their own lives. I really felt that the author did a great job of writing this story in a very caring and realistic way.
While it's not totally necessary to read the entire series in order, if you have read the other books in the series, you will see appearances by the rest of the group of four widowed friends and their relationships are discussed from previous books. If you enjoy Amish fiction that provides an emphasis on family, faith and love, this will be the series for you.
I received a complimentary advanced readers digital copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Today's book is With Winter's First Frost by Kelly Irvin, and it's the fourth book in the series, Every Amish Season. When I saw it available for review on NetGalley, I knew I HAD to read it since I've already had the opportunity read the first book, Upon A Spring Breeze, the second book, Beneath the Summer Sun, and the third book, Through the Autumn Air.
Usually my mother reads the books about the Amish that I receive, but she's having some medical issues with her eyes right now, so I have to step up and handle them. This book was released February 5th, so I wanted to be sure to get my post out for everyone.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NRSV-CE
The Every Amish Season series itself has been about a group of women who are all in different seasons of life. The women all differ by age and number of children, but they all share one thing in common – they have all lost their husbands and are now facing life after loss. This book will be the conclusion to this series.
Laura Kauffman and Zechariah Stutzman are both in their 70's and have both lost their spouses. They have both faced loss and heartache, but perhaps they might face it together. Both Laura and Zechariah are strong and caring people who really want to feel needed and useful in their older years. As they got to know each other, I really enjoyed the banter between Laura and Zechariah, starting as acquaintances but developing into much more.
Each of Laura and Zechariah's children are a bit overprotective of them and find it a struggle to figure out how to take care of them while at the same time allowing them to take care of themselves and to live their own lives. I really felt that the author did a great job of writing this story in a very caring and realistic way.
While it's not totally necessary to read the entire series in order, if you have read the other books in the series, you will see appearances by the rest of the group of four widowed friends and their relationships are discussed from previous books. If you enjoy Amish fiction that provides an emphasis on family, faith and love, this will be the series for you.
I received a complimentary advanced readers digital copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 5, 2019
In the fourth and final novel of Kelly Irvin's Every Amish Season series, Winter refers not only to the time of year but to what might be considered the season of life for the two main characters. And in choosing to tell a story of two characters in their seventies, the author tackles some sensitive issues related to aging. Debilitating illness, forgetfulness, frailty, the changing relationships with different generations of family, loss of independence, and the need to still feel useful despite all of those factors.
Older characters are some of my personal favorites in fiction, but the downright surly nature of Zechariah Stutzman made it difficult to warm up to him. But as Laura Kauffman slowly sees what was attractive in him come out, and they each begin to warm up to the idea of an unlooked-for second The One, I was pulled along with her and could see the potential for them to have a life together.
As they each deal with their families, and the sub-plots involving their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that swirl around them, there are so many touching moments in this novel. And it was interesting to read the depictions of different aspects of Amish faith and tradition, as well as the way in which this fictional community deals with change.
While not absolutely necessary to read this series in order, there are appearances by the rest of the group of four widowed friends and their relationships are discussed. If you enjoy Amish fiction with emphasis on faith and family, and stories of widows finding new love, then this just might be the series for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.
Older characters are some of my personal favorites in fiction, but the downright surly nature of Zechariah Stutzman made it difficult to warm up to him. But as Laura Kauffman slowly sees what was attractive in him come out, and they each begin to warm up to the idea of an unlooked-for second The One, I was pulled along with her and could see the potential for them to have a life together.
As they each deal with their families, and the sub-plots involving their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that swirl around them, there are so many touching moments in this novel. And it was interesting to read the depictions of different aspects of Amish faith and tradition, as well as the way in which this fictional community deals with change.
While not absolutely necessary to read this series in order, there are appearances by the rest of the group of four widowed friends and their relationships are discussed. If you enjoy Amish fiction with emphasis on faith and family, and stories of widows finding new love, then this just might be the series for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.
April 15, 2019
With so many Amish fiction books focusing on the younger Amish and their rumspringa, courting, and marriages it is refreshing to come across a book like With Winter's First Frost. Kelly Irvin has penned a relevant and realistic story about the older generation of the Amish and the issues they face whether it be arthritis, Parkinson's or just not feeling needed so much anymore. And at times, even being treated like a child.
This story was so believable for me and the situations the characters were in weren't just ones limited to the Amish. This book could have easily been about characters of any faith or walk of life. I did enjoy the glimpse into how the Amish care for the elder family members and how the elders viewed their place in the family and district. Also interesting to me was how they applied the bann to a member of the district when it was needed.
This was a quick read for me because the author did such a wonderful job of telling the story and creating characters I cared about. It was easy to empathize with Laura and Zechariah as they navigated the winter season of their lives and feelings for each other. As always I love the author's writing style and the pace at which she tells a story. There is plenty of time to get to know the characters but at the same time, I'm never bored with the story.
This book is simply a must-have for fans of Amish fiction. While it is the final book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone. From the lovely front cover to the last page this book was a wonderful read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
This story was so believable for me and the situations the characters were in weren't just ones limited to the Amish. This book could have easily been about characters of any faith or walk of life. I did enjoy the glimpse into how the Amish care for the elder family members and how the elders viewed their place in the family and district. Also interesting to me was how they applied the bann to a member of the district when it was needed.
This was a quick read for me because the author did such a wonderful job of telling the story and creating characters I cared about. It was easy to empathize with Laura and Zechariah as they navigated the winter season of their lives and feelings for each other. As always I love the author's writing style and the pace at which she tells a story. There is plenty of time to get to know the characters but at the same time, I'm never bored with the story.
This book is simply a must-have for fans of Amish fiction. While it is the final book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone. From the lovely front cover to the last page this book was a wonderful read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
March 26, 2019
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
With the coldest season comes the warmest of second chances.
At age seventy-three, Laura Kauffman knows she is closer to the end of life than the beginning. If God willed it, she would join her beloved late husband soon. Even so, Laura wonders what purpose God might have for her in this winter of her life--and why this season seems so lonely.
Widower Zechariah Stutzman is facing his own barren season, despite the great-grandchildren swirling around him. With his Parkinson's worsening, he had no choice but to move in with his grandson's family, though now he feels adrift and useless.
When Laura offers to help with Zechariah's five great-grandchildren after their mother has a difficult childbirth, Zechariah is unsure how he will adjust to the warm but tart demeanor of this woman he has known since grade school. But soon Laura and Zechariah learn they are asking God the same questions about loss and hope. And they begin to wonder if He is providing answers after all.
With Winter's First Frost reminds us that God's purposes always bear fruit--and sometimes love is sweeter with age.
MY REVIEW
As with all of Kelly's books I did enjoy it, I thought it was a little slower story than most, although that could have just been me and my health at the time. I still rate this highly as there is a good story here about how you deal with getting older and health problems that may affect you and your friends along with facing difficult family situations.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers; book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
With the coldest season comes the warmest of second chances.
At age seventy-three, Laura Kauffman knows she is closer to the end of life than the beginning. If God willed it, she would join her beloved late husband soon. Even so, Laura wonders what purpose God might have for her in this winter of her life--and why this season seems so lonely.
Widower Zechariah Stutzman is facing his own barren season, despite the great-grandchildren swirling around him. With his Parkinson's worsening, he had no choice but to move in with his grandson's family, though now he feels adrift and useless.
When Laura offers to help with Zechariah's five great-grandchildren after their mother has a difficult childbirth, Zechariah is unsure how he will adjust to the warm but tart demeanor of this woman he has known since grade school. But soon Laura and Zechariah learn they are asking God the same questions about loss and hope. And they begin to wonder if He is providing answers after all.
With Winter's First Frost reminds us that God's purposes always bear fruit--and sometimes love is sweeter with age.
MY REVIEW
As with all of Kelly's books I did enjoy it, I thought it was a little slower story than most, although that could have just been me and my health at the time. I still rate this highly as there is a good story here about how you deal with getting older and health problems that may affect you and your friends along with facing difficult family situations.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers; book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 29, 2020
Laura Kauffman has always enjoyed the "togetherness" of quilting, yet her arthritis is getting in the way of quilting... so for now she will enjoy the gathering by making cards instead of crafting quilts. During this season in life, it has become a beautiful and peaceful togetherness that entices her to gather as much as possible. There has been so many changes that Laura has endured, the hardest change came when she could no longer be a midwife. Could she still find a way to be useful instead of giving into seclusion and old age?
Zechariah is facing his own season of aging, unfortunately moving in with his grandson's family reminds him that he isn't ready to be taken care of. Anyone who has experienced the change into a "seasoned" period of life knows that there is only one way to move forward. That first step out of feeling "useless" is one of the longest journeys of a lifetime.
Given an emergency, Laura has offered to stay and help look after Zechariah's grand children for a few days. The very last thing Zechariah needs is Laura fussing after him. Even though they have known each other as littles, how do you accept so many changes with grace? Could they begin by accepting a gentler tone while bickering? Life moves forward... can these two find God's answers in the midst of their "seasonal" changes?
If you believe that "friends warm a room better than any fireplace," then this is one of the warmest and inspiring novels for a winter escape. Kelly Irvin creates endearing characters, vibrant conversations, and settings within a community that knows the value of each other.
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
Zechariah is facing his own season of aging, unfortunately moving in with his grandson's family reminds him that he isn't ready to be taken care of. Anyone who has experienced the change into a "seasoned" period of life knows that there is only one way to move forward. That first step out of feeling "useless" is one of the longest journeys of a lifetime.
Given an emergency, Laura has offered to stay and help look after Zechariah's grand children for a few days. The very last thing Zechariah needs is Laura fussing after him. Even though they have known each other as littles, how do you accept so many changes with grace? Could they begin by accepting a gentler tone while bickering? Life moves forward... can these two find God's answers in the midst of their "seasonal" changes?
If you believe that "friends warm a room better than any fireplace," then this is one of the warmest and inspiring novels for a winter escape. Kelly Irvin creates endearing characters, vibrant conversations, and settings within a community that knows the value of each other.
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
February 4, 2019
Widow Laura finds herself feeling a little useless as of late especially since she has given up working as a midwife and filling in at the local bookstore. When a close friend of hers needs her after the difficult birth of her newborn twins, Laura finds herself enjoying life again taking care of babies, cooking for the family and taking care of the house. There is one exception to this, widower Zechariah, the great-grandfather of the babies. He suffers from Parkinson's disease and finds himself very grouchy especially when his grandkids and kids don't think he can do anything for himself.
As the winter progresses he finds himself falling for Laura and Laura feels the same. Can they both let go of the past and let love fill the rest of their days?
What an emotionally charged story that will make you look at love in the elderly in a new way. Laura and Zechariah have imprinted my heart and will not be leaving for a very long time. I want to be them when I grow old, I want to be able to love that unconditionally with everyone in my life. So beautiful and moving. This story will change your life.
What you don't believe me? Find out yourself by buying a copy on release day of February 5, 2019, from your favorite bookseller.
Every Amish Season Books in Order:
1. Upon A Spring Breeze 4 stars
2. Beneath the Summer Sun 4 stars
3. Through the Autumn Air 5 stars
4. With Winter's First Frost 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
As the winter progresses he finds himself falling for Laura and Laura feels the same. Can they both let go of the past and let love fill the rest of their days?
What an emotionally charged story that will make you look at love in the elderly in a new way. Laura and Zechariah have imprinted my heart and will not be leaving for a very long time. I want to be them when I grow old, I want to be able to love that unconditionally with everyone in my life. So beautiful and moving. This story will change your life.
What you don't believe me? Find out yourself by buying a copy on release day of February 5, 2019, from your favorite bookseller.
Every Amish Season Books in Order:
1. Upon A Spring Breeze 4 stars
2. Beneath the Summer Sun 4 stars
3. Through the Autumn Air 5 stars
4. With Winter's First Frost 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
January 29, 2019
With Winter's First Frost is the fourth book in An Every Amish Season series by Kelly Irvin. The stories in this series focus on women of different ages. While this is a series, each of the stories also make a good stand alone story. This story focuses on seventy three year old widow, Laura Kauffman. When Rosalie is taken to the hospital, Laura stays to watch the children. Ben's great-grandfather Zechariah also lives with the family. Together these elderly people care for the young children, while trying to manage their health conditions.
This is a wonderful story that shows the difficulties the elderly deal with when their health is affected. Zechariah feels his family is taking away his independence as they make decisions for him. This story also shows the struggles the younger people deal with as they make decisions about their future. With humor, the author writes an inspirational story that shows the faith the members have as well and the care they give to others in their community. I especially enjoy how the author writes in some of the Amish traditions, such as how they select their church leaders. I feel anyone who enjoys reading stories of the Amish will enjoy this series.
I received a copy of this book from Zondervan publishing through BookLook Bloggers. This is my honest review.
This is a wonderful story that shows the difficulties the elderly deal with when their health is affected. Zechariah feels his family is taking away his independence as they make decisions for him. This story also shows the struggles the younger people deal with as they make decisions about their future. With humor, the author writes an inspirational story that shows the faith the members have as well and the care they give to others in their community. I especially enjoy how the author writes in some of the Amish traditions, such as how they select their church leaders. I feel anyone who enjoys reading stories of the Amish will enjoy this series.
I received a copy of this book from Zondervan publishing through BookLook Bloggers. This is my honest review.
February 9, 2019
As sad as I am to see this series come to an end, I believe the author ended it on a high and positive note. I've been a fan of, An Every Amish Season since the beginning and have come to love the characters and their stories.
I was drawn into the lives of Laura Kaufman and Zechariah Stutzman the two main characters in this book. An elderly man and woman who have suffered the loss of loved ones through the years. Laura and Zechariah are now experiencing what many in their age group experience such as forgetfulness, chronic illness, and probably the most devastating of all their loss of independence. There story is poignant and so real as I thought about the older people in my life.
Ms. Irvin has written this entire series quite beautifully and taken her readers into the lives of her characters along the way. As I have finished each of the four books I have felt like I have made new friends and am certain that I will miss them. Having been a fan of the author for a few years, I know that she will be creating more great books with more fantastic characters for me to love.
This book could be read as a standalone but in my opinion the series should be read in order and hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I have.
I received this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
I was drawn into the lives of Laura Kaufman and Zechariah Stutzman the two main characters in this book. An elderly man and woman who have suffered the loss of loved ones through the years. Laura and Zechariah are now experiencing what many in their age group experience such as forgetfulness, chronic illness, and probably the most devastating of all their loss of independence. There story is poignant and so real as I thought about the older people in my life.
Ms. Irvin has written this entire series quite beautifully and taken her readers into the lives of her characters along the way. As I have finished each of the four books I have felt like I have made new friends and am certain that I will miss them. Having been a fan of the author for a few years, I know that she will be creating more great books with more fantastic characters for me to love.
This book could be read as a standalone but in my opinion the series should be read in order and hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I have.
I received this book from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
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