For the Amish, the day after Christmas is for family, feasting, and exchanging simple gifts. And for three different couples, it will bring another precious chance for love . . . THEIR SECOND CHANCE New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray Amish nanny Hannah Eicher never thought she'd ever see Rob Prince again. There was no way a relationship between her and the handsome English fireman could overcome her family's objections--and their personal differences. But when he saves her from a sudden blaze, Hannah longs to see if they can turn holiday hope into a lifetime of happiness . . . HIS AMISH ANGEL * Patricia Johns She's too outspoken to be a proper Amish wife. So as advice columnist "Miss Amish," Maggie Lapp helps Amish and Englishwith their romantic problems. But when her tradition-minded former fianc� accidentally reveals her secret, Maggie will need more than a miracle to make things right--and find a perfect love for all the Christmases to come . . . AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS * Virginia Wise Rachel Miller won't let her disability keep her from selling heirloom plants and proving she can be independent. She certainly doesn't need reckless Joseph Webber working at her greenhouse to pay off a disastrous Rumspringa stunt. But she and Joseph have more in common than they think--and their surprising holiday partnership might just blossom into forever joy . . .
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
"She forced herself not to look at him again. She had already crossed a line she hadn't meant to cross. She had promised herself that she wouldn't joke with him anymore. Joking was only a hair away from flirting and flirting with Joseph Webber would be ridiculous, now. Preposterous. "
Excerpt from An Heirloom Christmas by Virginia Wise in An Second Amish Christmas collection.
From the back book cover:
" For The Amish, the day after Christmas is for family,feasting and exchanging simple gifts. And for three different couples, it will bring another chance for precious love.......
My Review
Who doesn't love a happy ending in a romance? I know I sure do. This one is a collection of 3 novella length stories but it's not all good times. The want to be couples don't always have smooth sailing in their quest for romance. Uncertainty and just maybe a little jealousy find these couples praying to have a second chance at a romance with someone dear to them. Once an understanding comes to pass we see the true light of the couples shining and kindness and compassion brings on the happy times. The perfect setting, the book is set at Christmas time as well so we get the happy feel good atmosphere from this as well. Highly recommend this to all readers of Amish fiction.
Pub Date 24 Sep 2019 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a collection of three novellas about Amish people during the Christmas season. I rated all three stories separately. Their Second Chance by Shelley Shepard Gray gets four stars. His Amish Angel by Patricia Johns gets five stars. An Heirloom Christmas by Virginia Wise gets three stars. The characters in His Amish Angel were exceptionally interesting. I especially enjoyed Maggie Lapp! She had a very unconventional personality for an Amish woman, yet she was very strong in her Christian faith and never compromised the Amish standards. I look forward to reading more of Patricia Johns's books!
Three novellas by three different authors, and each is as great as the next in telling their stories. A romance in each, but also concerned parents that tend to hover, but are the same as most in the care and loving of their children. All of the stories are different, but all take place in and around Amish communities and each quickly becomes a page turner, we need to know the outcome! Your invited along to enjoy the stories of these three different couples, and you don’t want to miss the chance to follow their lives and know the endings!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kennsington, and was not required to give a positive review.
This was a really good collection of second chance stories! I liked how they were all like Christmas miracles. It’s always nice getting to try out new authors through these collections. I had read several of Shelley Shepard Gray’s books and have enjoyed them. I really enjoyed reading the stories by Patricia Johns and Virginia Wise. I would like to read more from them. I would recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This is a bundle of 3 stories together. Originally I assumed it was a traditional box set in which all the books were 3 full length novels. While they are complete stories, they are most definitely not full length novels (with the exception of the third book which is).
The first two books were very disappointing. They were far too short (basically novellas in my opinion) and lacked true character development.
Their Second Chance: It was obvious this book was part of a series in which the author decided to write a book about the supporting characters. However as someone who did not read the series in which these characters were introduced I felt I missed a LOT.
I wish the author would have spent more time on Hannah and Rob's past. How they met, the friendship they began to develop, etc... I felt like I missed why Rob felt so strongly when he saw it was Hannah on the floor in the apartment.
His Amish Angel Another short story where we must have had to read other books to learn about these characters' pasts. When the two main characters of a romance book were engaged and then broke up, I expect to read about that. At least in a prologue or something. But again, it was left to our imagination.
An Heirloom Christmas This is the only book that saved this rating from being a 1 star. I really enjoyed reading this story appreciate that the author shared a full length novel in the box set rather than following the other's lead with shorter stories. My only critique is that I wish the author would have included an epilogue of what happened after. I would have loved to read about how the couple adapted, how their business grew, etc... I think it also would have been great to read more about how the community dealt with Rachel's illness and long lasting effects of it.
An Amish Second Christmas by Shelley Shepard Gray, Patricia Johns and Virginia Wise contains three stories where couples are getting a second chance at love and life. Second Christmas is the day after Christmas where the Amish exchange gifts plus spend time with family and friends. I thought the stories were well-written with delightful and developed characters. They are uplifting stories with humor and sweet romance. I liked the feisty Maggie Lapp in His Amish Angel. She was not afraid to speak her mind and her column was a good outlet for her where she offered practical advice. We see how important compromise is to a relationship. I thought His Amish Angel was a unique story for Amish fiction. Their Second Chance is a thoughtful story where a couple is really getting a second chance. I liked that Hannah was breaking free from her family, but she was not disrespectful to them. I appreciated that there was an epilogue in Their Second Chance. In An Heirloom Christmas, Rachel grows heirloom plants. I could feel her passion for the project, and I like how she knew the history of the items she grew. The story also shows us that what we are looking for can be right there in front of us. Three heartwarming and charming stories that will leave you smiling (especially the end of An Heirloom Christmas). I look forward to reading more stories from these three authors.
Another good read by various authors. Loved them all. Published in 2019. Glad I got to read it. Funny how insecurities are there no matter who you are. And to be recovering from cancer and think less of yourself with an over protective mother is a recipe for disaster. I’m glad Rachael finally stood up for herself in AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS by Virginia Wise. I loved the history about heirloom plants. In HIS AMISH ANGEL by Patricia Johns I liked the spunky Maggie Lapp. I am proud of her that she didn’t settle for someone who couldn’t except her for who she was. And the first book THEIR SECOND CHANCE was wonderful also. God has a plan for our lives. We just have to get out of His way. He gives us second chances. Praise Him!!!
These take place near Christmas and end just after. Each story is a second chance at romance. There is faith and family and baking in each story. Also, a fire, a newspaper column, and a greenhouse, one in each story. I liked the newspaper column and the greenhouse. I enjoy gardening, so that part was interesting.
An Amish Second Christmas is a collection of novellas centered around Second Christmas, the day after Christmas, that the Amish celebrate with family, friends and exchanging small gifts. This collection brought a second chance to previous lost love or a second chance at life. Each author had their own unique way to tell their story that brought a smile at the end. This collection will be enjoyable any time of the year, but especially at Christmas time.
Their Second Chance by Shelley Shepard Gray gave perspective how lives can change along with parents thinking about their child’s future. Hannah and Rob had grown and changed since their breakup due partly to her parents’ words. When their lives were brought together due to a fire, new tenderness and more develops. Hannah had a choice to make about being Amish or becoming an Englischer.
Patricia Johns by His Amish Angel brought Maggie Lapp’s world crumbling when confronted by the bishop with her secret occupation. More anguish came when she discovered her former love Atley is back in the area visiting his Bishop Uncle and had exposed who secret of being “Miss Amish”. Their actions and conversations were strained to relaxing when Atley took a stand for her. Second Christmas brought more than Maggie had dreamed possible.
An Heirloom Christmas by Virginia Wise explored the lives of Rachel and Joseph. They both felt trapped, especially Rachel with her over protective mother. When Joseph was hired to assist in the greenhouse they discovered how they were more a like with plants and history. With Rachel’s desire to sell her heirloom plants again they developed a plan. The plan went better than expected with their heart desires being discovered.
I was under no obligation to write a review but have expressed my own opinion. I was thrilled to see our local library had this book on their New High Demand Shelf.
I really enjoyed reading the three novellas in An Amish Second Christmas by different authors. The first is Their Second Chance by Shelley Shepard Gray which I had a hard time putting it down. Amish Hannah Eicher was a full-time nanny to a non- Amish family who lived alone until she almost died in a fire in her apartment building. Along came a handsome firefighter who knew Hannah, in fact was his former girlfriend who ended their relationship a year prior. He saved her and hoped their relationship could be restored but Hannah was resistant due mostly to her family's objections. The story is so very good, it is a must read! HIS AMISH ANGEL by Patricia Johns is about a young Amish woman who writes a column for an English newspaper under the title of "Miss Amish" and she loves her job of helping others. After the local bishop finds out she is not allowed to continue her successful column and she is saddened by it. Her former fiance tried to fix things for her. AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS by Virginia Wise is the third good book written in this book about a young disabled woman who recovered from cancer but is in a wheelchair. Rachel's passion is her wonderful greenhouse. She is helped by force to have her former childhood acquaintance (notice I did not say friend), Joseph who was hired by her parents to help for a few months. Even though she resisted, they became good friends. One big problem-Joseph wanted to leave the Amish community to live in the English world. He even had a girlfriend in nearby town. As Joseph and Rachel got to know each other, they had a lot in common and found themselves drawn to one another. The story is good and I liked it.
All three of the stories in this Christmas collection are enjoyable; however, the middle story written by Patricia Johns and entitled, 'His Amish Angel', is exceptional!
The characters in 'His Amish Angel' are extraordinary when compared to the many Amish novels and stories I have read over the past two decades. The author has created a strong cast of characters, a well-developed setting, and a well-crafted story with a unique theme not usually found in Amish fiction. I won't spoil anything for you except to say that I truly got involved in this story for many reasons.
The stories in this collection are tied together by the theme of 'second chances'. This cover is one of my favorite holiday covers ever. The beauty of the pine trees, sunlight, snow, and the Amish woman dressed in royal blue and white holding a sprig of holly with berries is stunning.
Highly-recommended to fans of Amish romance/fiction, Christmas fiction, Christian/clean romance, and historical fiction.
I borrowed this book from the 'new book' shelf in the fiction section of the local public library.
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**This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}
For ppl who love short novellas in the same book this is for you. Each story in it's own right is delightful and highly recommended. There's something for everyone in here. I was happy to see SSG in here which is why I chose this book. I love her writing style. I love how these authors describe Second Christmas for the Amish. I find that very interesting. I like how they celebrate Christmas better than our tratitional way which is Decmber 25. Of course we don't really know when Jesus is born but He knows that our hearts are in the right place. I also enjoyed the other authors too. I've read Virginia Wise before. She's amazing too. Patricia John is a 2nd time too and she didn't disappoint either. I recommend this book. My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.
An Amish Second Christmas is a collection of three stories. These stories include: Their Second Chance by Shelley Shepard Gray His Amish Angel by Patricia Johns An Heirloom Christmas by Virginia Wise I enjoyed this collection and being introduced to Patricia Johns and Virginia Wise's writing. It was a fun and sweet read. Four stars.
This is a nice sweet story of reconciliation and second chances. I loved how Hannah has decided to become more independent and try to make it on her own. Her parents are not happy because they want her to come home and be baptized. She may be Amish but she wants more than just living under the Order. I thought she showed courage and dealt with some issues with the help of God.
Rob is a hero in many ways. He saves Hannah and her dog in a fire but he also has patience that it is a great characteristic. They once were a couple but things didn’t turn out well. Rob got his heart broken yet he still finds that he has feelings for Hannah. I loved how the author shows Hannah starting to realize that she had made a mistake with Rob. She also needs to repair her relationship with her parents. This is a wonderful Christmas story where we witness forgiveness and a relationship that puts God first.
HIS AMISH ANGEL BY PATRICIA JOHNS
Maggie is such a great character. She is not the typical Amish woman and that tends to scare some of the Amish men off. I love how honest she is and how she wants to be her own person. An Amish woman is expected to marry young, have children and take care of the home. Now Maggie may want those things as well, but I think she intimidates men. She has a knack for writing and her column in the paper is a big hit. “Miss Amish” answers letters from people who are seeking advice,
When her ex fiancée shows up to help her dad fix the barn, he isn’t welcomed with open arms. He tells her secret about her column which ruins everything for her. She has loved giving advice with grace and honesty. Atley wants Maggie to forgive him, but can she do this without being bitter? I loved how we can see that there is a little spark still between them. I really enjoyed the talk Atley had with his uncle who is the bishop. Atley explains that God sent Jesus to save all of us. Maggie is spreading her faith by sharing it in the letters she answers. Didn’t God call us to go and share the good news with others? That gets the bishop to thinking.
It’s Christmastime and we think of Mary and how meek she was. Atley is passionate about having his dad see Maggie’s column as a blessing. I loved how Atley stands up for Maggie and gives her a wonderful Christmas gift. The saying goes,”opposites attract.” Will Atley and Maggie find happiness together? I loved this story and how the author explores how important it is to be ourselves and not worry what others think of us. The ending made me cry as I saw the importance of marriage and how we should “bend” for each other. What a beautiful thing to do for the person you love . Compromise or “bend” as the Amish call it makes for a string marriage. Merry Christmas Atley and Maggie.
AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS BY VIRGINIA WISE
I like how this story features Rachel who is in a wheel chair because of bone cancer. She is stubborn, angry and a little prideful. Her parents hire Joseph to help her in the greenhouse but he doesn’t get a good welcome from her. You can feel the tension in the air as Joseph tries his best to be helpful. What an awkward position they both are in. Rachel wants to prove that she can take care of herself but now Joseph is here to lend a hand.
I did chuckle as Joseph tries so hard to convince Rachel that he is only there because his parents made him take the job. A silly mistake finds him having to work with someone who doesn’t want him around. As they begin to open up to each other, they realize they are searching for the same thing. They want to be independent and have some control over their lives. The book encourages the characters to use the gifts God has given us and be content.
This story has a few surprises and shared the importance of following your dreams. Rachel and Joseph learn to communicate and this opens the door for them to share their feelings. Rachel gets two wonderful surprises for Christmas and Joseph makes a decision for his future
This is a book with three stories and three authors in it. First off let me say that I'm not a person to read much on my kindle/phone or like to read books that have multiple stories and authors. But I liked this book and read it rather fast. The first book is their second chance by Shelley Shepard Gray we begin this story with Hannah Eicher’s house being on fire and one of the firefighters that came to her rescue was Rob Price who happened to be one of Hannah's ex boyfriends. Hannah has lost her Amish fiance in a fire at his work and then had met Rob who lived next door to the house where she works as a baby sitter. She moves in with her employers but will anything happen with Rob and Hannah will they get back together or will nothing happen? Pick up this book to see what happens. The next story in this book is His Amish Angel by Patricia Johns . This is the first book of hers that I read but will pick other ones up by her. This is the story of Maggie Lapp was is unmarried and working secretly writing a column in the local newspaper called miss Amish where she gives Englishers Amish advice like what she would or wouldn't do in each situation. This is going fine until her ex fiance who has moved away gets a copy of her local paper and figures out that she is the writer of the column. He tells his uncle who happens to be the bishop in her district and he tells her to stop writing that its sinful. Well she doesn't like that answer and still writes a few. Does she get caught again? Does the Bishop let her write the column? Does she decide to become the proper Amish wife that she doesn't want to be? What will happen with Maggie? Read the second book in an Amish Second Christmas and find out for yourself. And last, but not least, is an Heirloom Christmas by Virginia Wise. Again, I'm not very familiar with this author but i will probably pick up other books from this author. This is the story of Rachel Miller who is in a wheel chair from having cancer. She grows heirloom plants but doesn't sell them or do much with them except spend time with them and eats the crops like tomatoes. Well her parents decided to hire her some help for the holiday season and hired Jospeh Webber who went to school with her and was having some trouble during his rumspringa and had to pay his dad back for the buggy he wrecked during his rumspringa. He started to help Rachel and at first she didn't want his help but then she slowly let him help her with her greenhouse. Do they become friends or more than friends or stay just acquaintances? Does she grow flowers for other people or not? Read the last story in this book to find out. Pick up your copy of the Amish Second Christmas and get the answer to these questions and more. I hope that you enjoy reading these stories by these three authors. I know I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed this compilation of Amish Christmas stories by authors Shelley Shepard Gray; Patricia Johns, and Virginia Wise from Kensington Books. Each story is set in the Amish tradition of Second Christmas; Second Christmas is the day after Christmas that is set aside to visit family and friends to continue the celebration.
Additionally, each story has a theme of appreciating the differences and choices of others, with love, understanding and compassion.
Beginning with Their Second Chance by Shelley Shepard Gray, the reader meets Hannah Eicher, a young Amish woman is rescued from a house fire by Rob Prince, an English fireman, who is no stranger to Hannah. Old feelings, once thought set aside, come rushing back for both Hannah and Rob.
In Her Amish Angel by Patricia Johns, Maggie Lapp is not the quiet, obedient Amish young woman who desires to spend her life focused solely on being a wife and mother. Far too outspoken for most young men in her district, Maggie is teased by her siblings as being an old maid. Maggie has a secret; a secret only two other people know. She is an advice columnist for a local newspaper. Someone recognizes something in one of her columns and Hannah’s secret is out. Her family is appalled and the bishop forbids her from continuing. Then her former fiancé returns to town; sparks fly but will he accept Maggie for who she is, newspaper column and all?
Suffering a mysterious illnesses that leaves her in a weakened state and in a wheelchair, Rachel Miller strives to find her purpose in her greenhouse. When her parents hire Joseph Webber to assist her in the greenhouse, she is not happy; besides she remembers Joseph as being a bit of a troublemaker in school, teasing everybody but her. Reluctantly accepting Joseph’s help, Rachel finds her resistance to the handsome man weakening, especially when he turns those teasing eyes on her.
Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
I absolutely love Christmas! And even though the sun is still shining and hot where I live, I am ready for Christmas lights, candies, carols, and apple cider! I have even walked around Walmart’s Christmas section just for the joy of seeing the happiness there. So, needless to say, I was quite happy to have not one, but three Christmas stories to read! An Amish Second Christmas was a lot of fun and brought that Christmas sparkle to my day as I read it! In Their Second Chance, by Shelley Shepard Gray, Hannah gets a second chance at love when Rob, the handsome fireman she called it off with to please her family, saves her life during a fire in her apartment. But she will have to have the courage to follow her heart, even when her family doesn’t agree. In His Amish Angel by Patricia Johns, Maggie finds joy in writing her column in the English paper, offering Amish advice to people who write in. When her ex boyfriend Atlee realizes she is the writer and tells the bishop, she is forced to quit. To add insult to injury, Atlee is staying in town until Christmas and she will have to see him. But can the two of them discover the love they once shared? Or will they realize it never left? Finally, Virginia Wise brings us An Heirloom Christmas. In the story, Rachel and Joseph are forced to work together until Christmas. They knew each other in school, but were never close. Now, due to circumstances neither expected, they are not only working together, but enjoying it. Can they find love and freedom in each other? I would definitely recommend this book. It was a lot of fun and not only does it bring a splash of Christmas to you, but it reminds you of the joy that comes when you yield to your heart. I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
An Amish Second Christmas is an Amish Christmas anthology by authors: Shelley Shepard Gray, Patricia Johns, and Virginia Wise.
Their Second Chance (Shelley Shepard Gray) is the first tale in the novel. Nine months ago Hannah Eicher broke up with her boyfriend, Rob, because of her controlling parents. After Rob rescues her from an apartment fire will there be a second chance at love?
His Amish Angel (Patricia Johns). The setting is Morinville, Indiana (December). Maggie Lapp was an editor for the local English newspaper. Going against her Amish faith she wrote a column called, “Amish Advice for English Problems,” using a faux name. This went against the Amish faith.
An Heirloom Christmas (Virginia Wise). The setting is Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (November). Rachel Miller has bone cancer. Joseph Webber was hired to be her caretaker. This story shows that even the handicapped can be independent like everyone.
I enjoyed reading these stories as they are set during the Christmas season. My favorite one was The Heirloom Christmas. The author did a tremendous job of showing that people with disabilities have worth too.
All the characters seemed to come alive and show their true feelings. In a lot of ways, this anthology is like other Christmas stories I’ve read this season. The Heirloom Christmas was a bit unique since it featured a lead character with cancer.
These would be great stories to read during the Christmas season or anytime.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Keep the tissues close by as you are reading AN AMISH SECOND CHRISTMAS. These authors will have your emotions all over the place. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to all of these characters. All of the characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. Three heartwarming and charming stories that will leave you smiling.
Just because AN AMISH SECOND CHRISTMAS is three novellas doesn’t mean you will feel cheated. Each story is just the perfect length to meet and care for each character. If you have never read any of these authors, this book would make a perfect introduction to the reader. Each story involves getting a second chance at love that is sure to pull at your heart strings. Forgiveness and love go hand in hand in all three stories. It was great to watch each couple as they found their way. Get comfortable in your favorite chair and be ready to be totally entertained by these three wonderful authors.
AN AMISH SECOND CHRISTMAS is without a doubt one of the best collection of novellas I’ve read in 2022 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. All of these authors really know how to write about family drama, heartbreak, faith and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more stories by them. All three are among my favorite Amish fiction authors and these novellas are exactly why.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Publishing through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An Amish Second Christmas is a collection of novellas, one each by Shelley Shepard Gray, Patricia Johns, and Virginia Wise. In the Amish world, Second Christmas is the day after Christmas. Christmas is a day to stay home with family. Second Christmas is a day to visit. In these novellas it is also a day for second chances. Two of the heroines live within the Amish, the other leaves on conclave. This are genuinely lovely, second chance romances, heart-warming and fresh. Enjoyable to read, positive to think about.
Hannah has left her parents' home to live her own life. They have spent too much time trying to control her and she has had enough. Can she learn to rein them in? Can they learn to back off and let her make her own choices? Some near misses open all of their eyes. Maggie Lapp is just too outspoken to be a good Amish woman. That is why Atley broke off their betrothal five years ago: not that he didn't love her, but that he though living with her might destroy that love. It seems to have for his brother and his wife...they were just too different. Rachel has bone cancer. Even before that she was too shy. Her mother worries for her. Her father wants her to have her own life, with all the ups and downs that go with it. Can she handle a life? Can she love someone who isn't even sure he wants to be Amish? Could her love her back?
Quite a lovely book. I enjoyed it immensely. I recommend it highly. I received a free ARC of An Amish Second Christmas. All inferences and opinions expressed herein are solely my own. #netgalley @anamishsecondchristmas
Kensington Books publishes a wide variety of books that appeal to a wide audience. The Amish books they publish are some of the best Amish books on the market. That's why I asked to read An Amish Second Christmas. It is a collection of three novellas that detail the lives of three Amish couples with rocky starts to a relationship.
My favorite one in this collection is the second one--"His Amish Angel." Maggie is one opinionated, outspoken Amish Lass who writes a column in the local newspaper called "Ask Miss Amish," where she tries to use Amish wisdom and beliefs to solve English-world problems. Somehow her bishop finds out and forbids her to continue writing.
Her ex-fiance, Atley, is the one who spilled the beans to the bishop, because the bishop is his uncle. She feels this act is the final betrayal in their relationship, but unbeknownst to her, he goes to his uncle and has him read what she's written and shows him how she's telling the world about the Amish life and how that can solve problems for misguided teens and young adults. One of the things Maggie and Atley need to learn is the art of give and take to make a happy home for both of them.
This is a five star collection, with two thumbs up, and an angel Christmas Ornament for your tree. I appreciate Kensington books for providing the galley I read through NetGalley.com. It's a great read for these chillier nights with a soft blanket and a hot drink.
Christmas time in an Amish community seems so different than in our English world. Christmas with the Amish focuses on the real reason for the season. This is not to say that they cannot have fun. An Amish Second Christmas is a set of three stories that show the magic of Christmastime. They show love, forgiveness, apologies, and second chances. Their Second Chance shows Hannah who is stuck between two worlds. Will she and Rob be able to make a life together? Will she be happy and overcome her family's objections? His Amish Angel finds Maggie. She is too forward to be considered a proper wife for an Amish man. When her secret is revealed by someone she thought she could trust, will Maggie be able to overcome her breaking of the rules? Will she find true love in the process? Finally, An Heirloom Christmas, brings us Rachel. Her current disability seems to be holding her back. Or is it her family that is? She wants to prove that despite her difficulties she can be independent and make a life for herself. Will wild Joseph Webber be just the person that she can find her forever life with? The characters are all well developed and bring the reader the desire to turn the next page. I would highly recommend the trilogy. I received a copy through Netgalley. A positive review was not required.
Their Second Chance: Hannah and Rob have both struggled with loss. Hannah had ended her relationship with Rob a few months back. After an unfortunate fire in her home she is face to face with him and not sure what to do with it. Being Amish she isn't sure she is ready to enter the Englisch world. Both are trying to figure out where this will go. His Amish Angel: Maggie is a very outspoken Amish woman. After an fire in their barn. Her ex shows up to help . He has unintentionally given away a secret of hers and she is very upset about it. He discovers how much he still cares for her and she has to find a away to forgive him. An Heirloom Christmas: Rachel is working on getting her life back after a battle with Cancer. Her parents hire Joseph to help her with her greenhouse. He is trying to find a way his way in the world without working on the family Dairy Farm. While working with Rachel he finds he isn't as interested in the Englisch world. Both are surprised at how much they have in common. All of 3 novellas show how much life can change . Forgiveness and love go hand in hand in all 3. It was great to watch each couple as they found their way. I was given this book by the publisher to read for my honest review.
An Amish Second Christmas is a wonderful collection of three novellas written by Shelley Shepard Gray, Patricia John's, and Virginia Wise. Each author tells an inspiring story of the Amish involving Christmas. Their stories focus on second chances but in different ways. Each story is independent of the others. The characters have been well developed and appear very realistic. I enjoyed each of the stories.
Shelley Shepard Gray has written Their Second Chance which is a story of devastation which reunited a young couple for another chance at love and happiness.
Patricia Johns' story His Amish Angel also deals with a young Amish couples struggles at a second chance of love and faith.
Virginia Wise has written An Heirloom Christmas which deals with a second chance but this story is about a second chance at life.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a book that I can highly recommend to other readers
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray, Patricia John's, and Virginia Wise on releasing this inspiring book for the holiday enjoyment of their readers.
Three sweet Christmas stories and stories of second chances. Gray is one of my favorite authors. I’ve never read Johns or Wise before but I will again.
Gray tells the story of Hannah Eicher, an Amish Nanny, and Rob Prince, an English firefighter. Their worlds are very different and a relationship between them is forbidden.
Johns tells the story of Maggie Lapp, a very outspoken twenty-five-year-old Amish woman who writes a column in the local newspaper and her ex-fiancé Atley Troyer. Atley is also the Bishop’s nephew and accidently tells on her.
Wise tells the story of wheel chair bound Rachel Miller who owns her own greenhouse and sells heirloom plants and her childhood classmate Joseph Webber. Joseph hadn’t always been kind to Rachel and is now hired by her mother to help her in her greenhouse.
Read these stories and find out what, if anything, happens between these young people.
All three of these stories are sweet and inspirational. These excellent Amish authors have put together interesting, well-written stories that revolve around the tradition of the Amish “Second Christmas”. Each story was just the right length for a collection like this . No storyline was rushed and each seemed complete at the end of the story. I was interested in each story, and I think these authors’ writing styles fit together very well. All three of the “leading ladies” had a compelling story and I was eager to cheer each one of them on to find their happiness on Second Christmas. I think my favorite was the story by Shelley Shepherd Gray. Her story had a different twist with both of the main characters, and I enjoyed that. This book gives the reader the perfect combination of Amish faith, family in heart-touching stories.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I was so happy to finally get the rest of the story between Hannah and Rob. It will make you smile and cheer out loud.
HIS AMISH ANGEL Patricia Johns
My favorite sentence in the entire book, “married people realize what they have to lose and it is only then that they choose to bend for each other.” I find this beautiful and so true.
AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS Virginia Wise
A good reminder that sometimes the time we speak in and our actions are not always how we truly feel. A harsh tone may be covering a lot of pain. This is my first Virginia Wise book and won’t be my last.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Christmas Day for the Amish is the day of remembering Jesus’ birth and all attention is focused on that. Second Christmas for the Amish is the day they exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends.
This book focuses on three different couples, the significant odds they must overcome and how second chances brings love, forgiveness and a very special Second Christmas day to remember for each couple.
Each author has written a delightful Christmas book that I would highly recommend for reading this holiday season.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by Kensington Books on NetGalley, and was not required to give a review in exchange for the book.
Christmas is my most favorite time of the year. There is something about a heartwarming Christmas book that warms my soul. Perhaps it is the love and hope that filtrates everything, along with that special magical touch.
An Amish Second Christmas has its own magical touch. It is a collection of 3 three couples telling their own story of love and second chances. Each story is different and you will find yourself actually rooting for the characters in each. This is a delightful, quick read that will leave your heart full of hope and warmth.
I received a copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a review.