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Finding a Plain Christmas
Kirsten Bergman, writer for Harrisburg Magazine, is busy checking off the boxes on her Christmas lists. Her boss and secret crush, Richard Collins, unexpectedly assigns her to a story in Amish country, which seems like he’s setting her up for failure. But is he actually giving her the greatest gift of all?
- GenresAmish Fiction
168 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2018
12 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 14, 2018
This is a very nice Christmas book that is full of the holiday spirit. Most of us want to spend time each year reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. We tell ourselves we are not getting caught up in that holiday rush of gift shopping and decorating and all the things that keep us so busy over the holidays. Then we go ahead and get busy anyway and next thing we know , it's December 26th. Perhaps we all could take lessons from the Amish on how they manage to celebrate a plain Christmas minus the glitter and decorations, while reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas.
Kirsten Bergman is a writer for Heritage magazine. Her boss Richard Collins sends her out to an Amish community to find out how they celebrate Christmas. Her assignment is to write the Christmas feature article for the December issue. This is just the chance she has been waiting for all these years.
Kirsten arrives in town and sets to work gathering research information, by asking questions from everyone she meets. She spends time with the Amish and even talks to a bishop. Trouble is it seems that she has little to write about as the Amish people don't seem to do all that much for the holidays. When trying to write her story she draws a complete blank. Will she let Richard down after he trusted her to write a great story that readers will long remember. Perhaps Kirsten will learn from the Amish examples, the True Meaning of Christmas.
I found this story to be a pleasant read . I loved the colorful cover. The Story had a real Christmas feel to it. I'm glad I decided to add it to my holiday reading list. Readers of Amish and Christian Fiction will enjoy this book. I recommend it.
Kirsten Bergman is a writer for Heritage magazine. Her boss Richard Collins sends her out to an Amish community to find out how they celebrate Christmas. Her assignment is to write the Christmas feature article for the December issue. This is just the chance she has been waiting for all these years.
Kirsten arrives in town and sets to work gathering research information, by asking questions from everyone she meets. She spends time with the Amish and even talks to a bishop. Trouble is it seems that she has little to write about as the Amish people don't seem to do all that much for the holidays. When trying to write her story she draws a complete blank. Will she let Richard down after he trusted her to write a great story that readers will long remember. Perhaps Kirsten will learn from the Amish examples, the True Meaning of Christmas.
I found this story to be a pleasant read . I loved the colorful cover. The Story had a real Christmas feel to it. I'm glad I decided to add it to my holiday reading list. Readers of Amish and Christian Fiction will enjoy this book. I recommend it.
October 21, 2018
How do the Amish celebrate Christmas?
Finding a Plain Christmas could be considered a parable expounding on the account of Martha and Mary. Kirsten was a perfect Martha – driven, determined to do things perfectly, working to outdo her own parties each year and exhausting herself in the process.
I really appreciated the approach of this book. It was told from the perspective of the Englischer, Kirsten as she learns how wrong her conceptions of the Amish were and more importantly, learns that her focus has been on the wrong things. I loved the way the various Amish that she spoke to were dumbfounded at her questions. “But aren’t there parties and parades and things that go with it to make it more festive?”
The explanation as to why the Amish traditions are what they are was so clear and it made me think I’ve never seen it described before. I won’t tell you what was said, because it is so much better hearing it through the story. The conversations about the beliefs were done in such a way that they did not feel like information dumps. Yay!
Before you get caught up in the busyness of the holiday season, take a couple of hours to read this and get your perspective adjusted so you are really ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
The story included some of the characters from previous books by these authors, Caleb and Ruby, and Caleb’s twin sisters. It was fun to see them a bit in the future. Readers who choose to read just this story wouldn’t even realize that they were referenced in a previous book and would not be lost.
The voice of this book, because it was not told by the Amish, is different from the others I read, so be sure to check out the others in the series as well.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Finding a Plain Christmas could be considered a parable expounding on the account of Martha and Mary. Kirsten was a perfect Martha – driven, determined to do things perfectly, working to outdo her own parties each year and exhausting herself in the process.
I really appreciated the approach of this book. It was told from the perspective of the Englischer, Kirsten as she learns how wrong her conceptions of the Amish were and more importantly, learns that her focus has been on the wrong things. I loved the way the various Amish that she spoke to were dumbfounded at her questions. “But aren’t there parties and parades and things that go with it to make it more festive?”
The explanation as to why the Amish traditions are what they are was so clear and it made me think I’ve never seen it described before. I won’t tell you what was said, because it is so much better hearing it through the story. The conversations about the beliefs were done in such a way that they did not feel like information dumps. Yay!
Before you get caught up in the busyness of the holiday season, take a couple of hours to read this and get your perspective adjusted so you are really ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
The story included some of the characters from previous books by these authors, Caleb and Ruby, and Caleb’s twin sisters. It was fun to see them a bit in the future. Readers who choose to read just this story wouldn’t even realize that they were referenced in a previous book and would not be lost.
The voice of this book, because it was not told by the Amish, is different from the others I read, so be sure to check out the others in the series as well.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
October 1, 2018
I am a huge fan of Amos Wyse & Laura J Marshall!
I’ve enjoyed reading their books since I picked up the first one — and now I have a new favorite!
Finding a Plain Christmas
You’re gonna love this Christmas story…
Kirsten Bergman reminded me of myself -- and how I love to make lists, and decorate for the holiday, and buy the perfect gifts for loved ones, and plan Christmas parties. When she's assigned a story by her editor, Richard Collins, about how the Amish celebrate Christmas, she heads to Amish country. What she finds is no help at all!!!
No Christmas trees… no decorations… no parties… no Santa…
What will she do? She has no idea how — or what — to write about the holiday.
With Richard’s help, she learns how to enjoy Amish Country… and Christmas — in a different, better way. Oh my goodness! I loved this story!
Happy Reading!
...and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I’ve enjoyed reading their books since I picked up the first one — and now I have a new favorite!
Finding a Plain Christmas
You’re gonna love this Christmas story…
Kirsten Bergman reminded me of myself -- and how I love to make lists, and decorate for the holiday, and buy the perfect gifts for loved ones, and plan Christmas parties. When she's assigned a story by her editor, Richard Collins, about how the Amish celebrate Christmas, she heads to Amish country. What she finds is no help at all!!!
No Christmas trees… no decorations… no parties… no Santa…
What will she do? She has no idea how — or what — to write about the holiday.
With Richard’s help, she learns how to enjoy Amish Country… and Christmas — in a different, better way. Oh my goodness! I loved this story!
Happy Reading!
...and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
September 30, 2018
Finding a Plain Christmas by Amos Wyse and Laura J Marshall
Pull up a comfy chair and be ready to head back to Barnville with familiar characters, this is a wonderful short story that I’m sure you will love as much as I did. It will remind you about the true meaning of the holidays and what to really look forward to during the busy season that so many of us seam to rush through and forget to enjoy before it’s over and done. Thank you to Amos Wyse and Laura J Marshall for reminding me that to be plain stretches far beyond being Amish. If I could give a higher rating than five stars I would. Do yourself a favor a read this book, then when it comes out in paperback gift it to a friend at Christmas to remind others of the true meaning as well.
Pull up a comfy chair and be ready to head back to Barnville with familiar characters, this is a wonderful short story that I’m sure you will love as much as I did. It will remind you about the true meaning of the holidays and what to really look forward to during the busy season that so many of us seam to rush through and forget to enjoy before it’s over and done. Thank you to Amos Wyse and Laura J Marshall for reminding me that to be plain stretches far beyond being Amish. If I could give a higher rating than five stars I would. Do yourself a favor a read this book, then when it comes out in paperback gift it to a friend at Christmas to remind others of the true meaning as well.
October 22, 2018
I wish I could give this book 6 stars!!! It is one of those books that keep you wanting more. Now I would truly like more of Kirsten and Richard's story. Some of the best parts of this book is learning more about the Amish and their Holidays. Thank you to the authors for a truly wonderful book.
October 2, 2018
Finding A Plain Christmas
What a beautiful story of faith, friendship, and love. This story makes you think about the true meaning of whom we really are. I was right there in the moment with each character. I also was on that sleigh ride. I love the references to bible verses. Now I must purchase and read The Fischer series. Thank you.
What a beautiful story of faith, friendship, and love. This story makes you think about the true meaning of whom we really are. I was right there in the moment with each character. I also was on that sleigh ride. I love the references to bible verses. Now I must purchase and read The Fischer series. Thank you.
October 9, 2018
So good, a never put down book.. keep these great stories coming.
November 24, 2018
I loved this book!! Great story!! 1st time reading these authors will read more of their books!!
October 25, 2018
What a lovely story of the true meaning of Christmas. When Kirsten Bergmans boss, Richard Collins unexpectedly sends her to Amish Country a week before her well planned annual Christmas party, she is not happy and wonders why he chose her of all people to send for the story. Follow along as Kirsten finds how the Amish celebrate Christmas in the way it was meant to be celebrated. You don't need long lists, tons of lights, presents, and other decorations, and mostly months of planning to have a wonderful Christmas.
December 2, 2018
Ist time reading a book by these authors and I loved it. The setting was my absolute favorite!!
May 6, 2020
This was a fantastic book...enjoyed it alot
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews