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Amish Christmas Kitchen

Amish Christmas Kitchen

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As the weather grows cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen.

Leslie Gould tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas.

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2019

65 people are currently reading
1592 people want to read

About the author

Leslie Gould

78 books598 followers
Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of fifty novels. She received her MFA in 2009 and has taught writing on the university level. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the parents of four adult children and two grandbabies. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,409 reviews120 followers
September 9, 2019
Three heartwarming Christmas novellas by three of today's Amish writing fiction authors.
Each story is different , yet the same in the sense that people are waiting for something but you can't rush God. His plan will be revealed to you in his own best timing.

Each was a quick read and a perfect for these chilly days to get you in the mood for holiday reading.
The Amish kitchen is where all the warmth of friendships, family and faith revolves around.

You are definitely gong to want to add this one to your holiday reading list.
Such enjoyable stories, I look forward to reading more by each of these authors.

Published September 3rd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.


Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,685 reviews206 followers
September 4, 2019
Do you like Unexpected Christmas Gifts? Well In Lloyds new Christmas novella you are going to read about An Unexpected Christmas Gift. It's a short, fast, fun novella read.
I enjoyed it and I can't wait for you all to dive into it.
She even shares some recipes with us for Caramel Christmas Cake with a recipe for Caramel icing as well.
4 stars and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Profile Image for Christina Claypool.
Author 7 books130 followers
September 7, 2019
True confessions: I had never read any Amish fiction before this book. The reason is, I lived among the Amish for some years. I would often buy baked goods and candy at an Amish home in my community. That said, I really related to a lot of the baking and observations about food that were made in the book.

I also related to the fact, that it is difficult for outsiders (Englisch) to become friends with the Amish. Plus, their way of life can be an incredibly hard way of life. I was concerned Amish fiction would romanticize the difficulties that especially Amish women face.

Perhaps, I was asked to review this book, because I was the one who needed to read it. I needed to be reminded of how much simpler life can be, and what our priorities really should be. Faith, family, food, and our community, are all very important in our lives, whether we are Amish or not.

Truthfully, "An Amish Christmas Kitchen" was a delightful read. The three Novellas were wonderful, because they give you an opportunity to read different authors' stories and glean varied insights from those stories.

I was especially inspired by Kate Lloyd's beautiful story of redemption, "An Unexpected Christmas Gift," as I was touched at how accepted Maria was by the Amish, even though she was "Englisch." It encouraged my faith!

In Jan Drexler's, "An Amish Christmas Recipe Box," I fell in love with Matthias' pure heart and ability to see Ada's worth. What a gem of a story.

Then there was Leslie Gould's heartwarming Noelle. She is a true example we should all follow when it comes to family, and to holding your tongue when it would be so easy not to.

I don't want to say too much avoiding spoilers, but I am grateful I read this touching book. It was a five star blessing!
3,926 reviews1,763 followers
February 9, 2020
A lovely Christmas collection by some much loved authors. I love the way each novella showcases the warmth and love of family at Christmas. Life isn't simple but faith can be and these authors have illustrated that with heartwarming stories that set a gentle holiday mood.

An Amish Family Christmas by Leslie Gould -- Has all the feels I need in a Christmas story. A young woman struggling with meeting the expectations of her large extended family while nursing a wounded heart. Plenty of characters to love on and a few to hold grudges against just to spice things up. And a betrayed love that might have a chance at mending. Love the way the author weaves in the advent tradition of counting down to Christmas.

An Amish Christmas Recipe Box by Jan Drexler -- Christmas baking is definitely the way to a man's heart...at least that's what Ada is hoping. Only what if her culinary magic strikes the wrong man? A heart-tugging romance about mistaken expectations and the wisdom of looking beyond the surface to assess the measure of a man...or woman.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd -- An unexpected plot tugged at my heartstrings. Maria's world has been shattered and an impulsive journey into Amish country has her poised on the brink of self-discovery...and the possibility of romance. The first person narrative brought a sense of urgency to her story and kept me on edge right to the very end.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,055 reviews83 followers
September 1, 2019
An Amish Christmas Kitchen by Kate Lloyd, Jan Drexler and Leslie Gould contains three heartwarming holiday stories. I thought all three novellas were well-written and engaging. I started reading An Amish Family Christmas one evening and just kept reading until I finished all three (it was a late night). The novellas contain great characters and lovely settings. We see how the Amish focus on family and the true reason for the holiday season. I like the life lessons featured in each story with my favorite being a person’s heart is more important than their appearance. The romance plays out softly in each story which I appreciated. The stories are realistic with feel good endings. One of my favorite phrases is, “Life is only as short and hard as we make it.” It is important to remember the true meaning of Christmas and that only He can bring us the peace and joy we desire. There is a recipe for one of the mouthwatering baked goods featured in the story at the end of each novella. An Amish Christmas Kitchen will have you wanting to drag out your Christmas decorations and start baking your favorite Christmas cookies.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,230 reviews490 followers
July 25, 2019
This book contains three different, but the same in that the time period is around Christmas, and contains yummy Amish food [some awesome recipes included], and each offers a little sweet romance.
Now I found myself quickly into each story, and like the “you can’t eat just one”, well I couldn’t read just one, and if life didn’t get in the way I would have finished this in one sitting!
Loved how the minds of these author worked, and each story pulled me in and kept my attention, only complaint, I didn’t want to leave them!
You don’t want to miss this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Shirley Chapel.
726 reviews177 followers
November 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this wonderful collection of Christmas novellas written by Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler and Kate Lloyd. I liked all of them but my favorite novella of the three was An Amish Christmas Recipe by Jan Drexler. I thought that the character Matthias Yoder showed a lot of respect for Ada Weaver, his bosses daughter. He was a good employee for her Dad at his furniture factory and was a fine son to his widowed mother.

An Amish Christmas Kitchen by Leslie Gould
A young Lady's wedding gets put on hold for three years when her older sister and her future mother in law spread gossip about the couple that isn't the truth and tears them apart. Will they ever learn the truth and rekindle their broken relationship?

An Amish Christmas Recipe Box by Jan Drexler
A young Amish girl decides to bake Christmas cookies for a young Amish man who works for her Father, hoping to get him to notice her. But the problem is Amos Hertzler isn't worth the efforts she's putting into baking those cookies. In fact there's another young man working in the factory that her Father has recently hired and unknown to Ada Weaver he has had a crush on her for years. Will she learn the truth about Amos before he breaks her tender heart.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd
Maria Romano learns that she was adopted after she and her sister Trish take DNA testing to learn about their ancestors. Maria was matched in the DNA testing to a Nancy Miller in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. On her way there from Hartford Connecticut,she gets caught in an awful snow blizzard and her car goes off the road into a ditch. An Amish man rescues her and takes her to the family she is looking for. They kindly allow her shelter from the winter storm but are unable to shed any light on who her biological mother might be. Will she ever find her real mother and learn why she was given up for adoption as a baby?

If you love Amish Christmas novella Collections don't miss reading this book. All three writers are well known Christian Fiction authors . You get three warm hearted stories filled with the spirit of Christmas. Each story has a character that is gifted in baking Amish cookies and pastries . I highly recommend it for your Christmas reading schedule.
I borrowed a paperback edition of this book from the local library. A review was not requested. All options shared here are my own.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,674 reviews582 followers
August 10, 2021
I've been binge reading Amish novella collections, and loving it! This is a lovely one with a baking theme and unique stories of vulnerable young women. I enjoyed the first story the most, with Noelle going out of her comfort zone to sell her baked items at the busy Christmas market, and the unlikely friendship she develops with the Latina girl at the booth across from hers. Also a frustrating story of second chance love... let's just say I wasn't a fan of the older sister and the gossip she spreads.

I felt sorry for Ada and how she idolizes a young man at her father's shop who does not deserve her. Matthias can see his true colors, but it drives a wedge in the sweet friendship he has developed with Ada as she makes cookies for them. It's always difficult when someone falls off the pedestal we put them on. I liked the interactions Matthias had with Ada's father and the encouragement he receives with his work.

The last story was definitely one I haven't read anything similar to, but I wasn't a fan of the first person perspective. Maria's recent discovery that she was adopted leads her to the Amish family via a DNA test and database. It was neat to see her immersed in the family with their holiday traditions during a snowstorm, and the potential for romance with the Mennonite neighbor.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Profile Image for Pamela Pavkov.
1,263 reviews26 followers
September 4, 2019
An Amish Christmas Kitchen is a wonderful collection of three novellas written by Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd. Each of these novellas have a heartwarming story to tell at Christmastime. The characters in each novella are very likeable and realistic. I enjoyed each novella and the varied writing styles of each author.

Leslie Gould has written An Amish Family Christmas. Her story brings love to the forefront along with heartbreak. I loved the friendship that developes between two unlikely young ladies. This story deals with forgiveness, love, and faith in a wonderful way.

Jan Drexler has an amazing story of finding love in an unexpected place. This story which also deals with Christmas has a unique spin on cookies. I enjoyed the characters except for Amos who definitely had an ego problem. Love for Christmas is a great gift. The author has given her readers a great gift with this story.

Kate Lloyd as written An Unexpected Christmas Gift. This story deals with forgiveness of a differebt kind. I loved the interaction between the Amish family and an unexpected visitor at Christmas. Finding love and family at Christmas was a wonderful thing for one of the characters. I enjoyed this story and how it unfolded.

I have purposely kept my thoughts vague on these three amazing stories so I wouldn't spoil this book for others. All three stories are excellantly written and tells a wonderful story.

I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book from Jan Drexler to read. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful book that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd on their amazing novellas that all their reader will truly enjoy.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,269 reviews
September 11, 2019
Any time of the year is perfect for a Christmas tale. Jan Drexler, Leslie Gould and Kate Lloyd created an enjoyable collection found in An Amish Christmas Kitchen. Each story is centered on baking during the Christmas season with one favorite recipe shared at the end of each novella. The novellas also bring out the beauty and reason for Christmas.

An Amish Family Christmas by Leslie Gould story found shy Noelle being required to fill in for her sister at their family’s market. She was not the outgoing sales person like Salome, her oldest sister. However, when she met Holly, an Englischer at the market, a friendship formed. Noelle and Holly interactions and kindness to one another could just be the answer for Noelle and her father to ensure their family would have their annual Family Christmas dinner.

An Amish Christmas Recipe Box by Jan Drexler explored the life of Ada Weaver who worked in her father’s furniture store and sold her baked good there. She hadn’t been courted by anyone with one employee making fun of her. A Christmas Cookie Campaign suggestion by her older sister might be the answer with Ada digging into her grandmother’s recipe box. There were some twists and turns with some unexpected events that brought out the true characters of the men in the workshop. Mothers realizing how they were hindering their young adult children brought a beautiful ending to this tale just in time for Christmas.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd found Maria Romano in Lancaster County in the middle of a snow storm. She was on a quest to find answers to who she truly was after receiving the shock of her life. There’s a suspense element in this tale along with romance among several of the young people as they interacted together. Christmas is a time for family and with buried secrets being shared, forgiveness found it just might be the most memorable Christmas by discovering the pureness of the season.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my own sincere thoughts.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,628 reviews
December 30, 2019
Cute set of Amish stories set at Christmastime. They were nice easy reads perfect for curling on a Sunday afternoon. My favorite story was the 2nd one. It had great characters and a sweet story line. The third had a bit of a mystery element which was interesting and the first was first loves reunited so each story had a good story and made for pleasant reading.
Profile Image for Madison Grace.
263 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2025
The first two stories were great, but I ditched the third story after the first chapter. But two out of three ain’t bad!
Profile Image for Kristi.
633 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2019
I'm always saying I'm not a huge fan of novellas and that remains true today. However, I enjoyed reading these three stories by popular Amish fiction authors. These holiday-themed stories were well-written and complete stories. The stories never felt rushed or lacking in any way.

This would be a great collection to add to the shelves of Amish fiction readers. It would also be a great way to introduce someone to the genre.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,308 reviews108 followers
September 5, 2019
First, I want to thank Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Loyd for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

An Amish Christmas is a book filled with three novellas’ celebrating the warmth of the seasons. In this book you will read Leslie Gould’s An Amish Family Christmas, Jan Drexler’s An Amish Christmas Recipe Box, and last but not least Kate Loyd’s An Unexpected Christmas Wish.

I absolutely fell in love with the cover of this book. It was one of the many reasons that captured my attention in wanting to read this book. The graphic artist captured the essence of the stories perfectly onto the cover. Not to mention the font and the placement of the tile and author were well done too. Kudos to the graphic artist on a job well done.

One sweet thing that all three of the authors did in this book was contribute one or two recipes at the end of their book. They really good too! I am a sucker for anything caramel! So, I may be trying the caramel icing that Leslie Gould mentioned!

Another thing that is common through the novella’s is you will see mention of God or bible verses.
Speaking of Leslie Gould her novella is called An Amish Family Christmas. Her novella was dedicated to her husband Peter who makes Christmas magical every year. This story pulled on my heart strings for all the heartache in the family that they have had.

Everything about the market run and owned by the family touched my heart. I myself love family run business and frequent them often.

As a reader I could not help smile when Holly and Noelle meet and you hear their story. It brought love into your heart it was just so sweet.

Jan Drexler’s novella is called An Amish Christmas Recipe Box. Boy after reading this story I am craving Christmas cookies and pies!! Not to mention all the meal prep she had to do for Thanksgiving! I wanted to jump in the story and join them for the festivities. Those ladies seem like amazing cooks and bakers!

I loved Matthias storyline how he wanted to be the man of the house now that his father had passed. However. his Mom still saw him as a boy!

There was a part in the story that I cracked up laughing! Someone came into the store looking for a rolling pin for her daughter. However, she does not bake. Ada gave a laugh and said maybe she wants to use it on her husband.

Ruth wrote this in the memory of Ruth Ann.

They saved the most incredible story of the three for last! The story that grasped my attention from the start and was fast paced until the end. A story that is in a different class above the others. Kate Lloyd’s The Unexpected Christmas Gift is the novella I am referring to. Never has an Amish book swept me off my feet as this one did. Great job Kate!

Rumspringa is a fascinating tradition to me in the Amish world. So, any storyline around that I find very intriguing. Hence the story of Maria trying to find out who her real mother is. There is a twist to the story that I never saw coming.

I learned something from Kate that I had not known prior. Amish don’t drive but Mennonites do.






Profile Image for Nana.
652 reviews
September 7, 2019
The Amish celebration of Christmas is focused on the birth of Christ, with family and togetherness of greatest importance. Unlike other American cultures the Amish center their celebration around their faith, without the addition of material items. Baking and family activities are the family traditions that bind them together at this special time of year.

The three novellas in this book reveal the traditions listed above, and the opening of their hearts to others outside their community. Amish life and beliefs are described for the reader to see the inside of the Anabaptist home and family unit. Each of the three authors chose a different approach centered in the hub of the Amish home, the kitchen. Recipes are included, and the camaraderie of the family unit is expressed through the telling of these stories.

If you love Amish fiction with a bit of romance, and are looking forward to Christmas and all the trimmings, this is an excellent addition for your reading time. The novellas are light and easy reading, and will leave a warm spot in your heart!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,835 reviews160 followers
October 1, 2019
Fans of Amish fiction are in for a treat because three great authors have contributed to this new Christmas anthology. An Amish Christmas Kitchen features three novellas centered around the heart of most homes--the family kitchen--and the extra treats that are often created in those kitchens during the Christmas season.

I found all three of these stories to be heartwarming and uniquely different but they all share the common themes of the importance of family and the need to remember just why we celebrate the Christmas season. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to experience the joys of Christmas in early October and it is definitely for anyone who likes Amish fiction, holiday stories, and happily ever after. As an added bonus, there are three delicious recipes to try.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Jan Drexler and Bethany House Publishers. A positive review was not required and I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinions.

Please stop by my blog for my thoughts on each individual novella https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
1,971 reviews35 followers
September 9, 2019
An Amish Christmas Kitchen is a collection of novellas by three of my favorite authors of Amish fiction--Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd. Each story is a sweet romance centered around family and the wonderful season of Christmas. The characters are loveable and relatable, although, sometimes you want to give some of them a little smack upside the head! A young woman trying to find a way to embrace hope. A young woman looking for romance. A young woman searching for family. In their quests, they discover unexpected friendships, the courage to make the first move towards love, and that sometimes the future holds a lot of promise--despite the past. In each of the stories, the characters find that God truly does bring hope and healing to His hurting children. Being novellas, they are quick reads, whether you read them one at a time or all at once. And a lovely surprise--a recipe or two is included with each story.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,003 reviews52 followers
September 5, 2019
From three of the best Amish writers come a collection of three novellas that will get you in a mindset for celebrating Christmas a little early this year. All the characters in all three quickly won my heart, well maybe except for one...or maybe two...
All held family values and traditions close to their hearts. From selling baked goods at the local Christmas Market to supplement family finances to trying to win the heart of a secret crush with cookies, and trying to learn of the beginnings of a life, they all held me captive. They also made me hungry and scrambling for a snack while reading. Can you gain weight while reading a book? My answer is yes! But to add to that, each novella has a recipe at the end of their story that was featured in the reading. Can we say added bonus.... Yum!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marta Aldrighetti.
562 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2019
this book has 3 stories about amish on Christmas holiday.
-An amish family Christmas - Leslie Gould
Noelle is the youngest daughter of Schrock family, she takes care of Dad, and bakes pies and cakes for Christmas market to help the family.
Nice and lovely story, inspirational and attractive. I barely put down the book, eager to read about all the wonderful characters.
-An amish Christmas recipe box - Jan Drexler
Leroy'shop grows: new goods to sell, new employee to work in, and hope new customers and tourists buy wood works and fornitures, cookies baked by Ada.
"Don't delay in mending fences. Bad feelings quickly become offenses." Nice amish lifestile story.
-An unexpected Christmas gift - Kate Lloyd
Maria, after unexpected revelation about their family, goes away to search her heritage: a new world welcome her.
"Don't judge a book by its cover", in fact before judge a person and the choices he/she made, you must know his/her history and past.
This story could be realistic, it makes me cry, love it.
Profile Image for Barbara Thompson.
461 reviews13 followers
September 6, 2019
An Amish Christmas Kitchen is comprised of three different novellas: "An Amish Family Christmas" by Author Leslie Gould; " An Amish Christmas Recipe Box" by Author Jan Drexler and "An Unexpected Christmas Gift" by Author Kate Lloyd. You can read each one as a stand alone book, but I encourage you to read all three. All three have different storylines, but each one is so very interesting and I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Each one has its own unique characters with fabulous writing from each author. I love and enjoyed each novella from this book and I highly recommend to read "An Amish Christmas Kitchen". Not only a great book to read, but also to bring you into the special spirit of the holiday.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Profile Image for Jessica Blackman.
118 reviews52 followers
October 13, 2019
I could not hold off finishing this one in December. I truly loved each of these short stories. I look forward to reading more from these three wonderful authors. I highly recommend reading this one if you love Christian Fiction as much as I do.
Profile Image for Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs.
1,962 reviews37 followers
December 13, 2019
An Amish Family Christmas is a great story to show how gossip is usually incorrect and hurts those involved. Sometimes the hurt can be mended but not always.

An Amish Christmas Recipe Box is a fast-moving love story filled with sweetness to get you in the mood for Christmas baking.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift was a surprising story of how even in close-knit families we don’t always know everything.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
September 20, 2019
Three sweet stories bring the warmth of the holiday season to life despite the pain and loss the characters face. Each of these unique novellas delights in culinary offerings plus hope for the future served up with a satisfying ending. The characters make you care about them, and even though the stories aren’t as deep and developed as a full-length novel, they are enjoyable. I think they give a good flavor of authentic Amish life. We witness universal struggles and the longing for love. I received the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books160 followers
August 29, 2019
An Amish Family Christmas by Leslie Gould

This is a heartwarming story where an unhappy Amish girl has a second chance at love and how her new friendship with a Mennonite woman opens her heart to her ex-boyfriend. I enjoyed An Amish Family Christmas. It deals with heartache and how words misunderstood had led to the breakup between Noelle and the hero.

It took me a bit of time to warm up to the heroine. Noelle’s tender concern and care for her ill father helped me see her in a better light. That shows her true nature. Noelle’s friendship with the Mennonite young woman, Holly, was the best thing for Noelle. Holly’s vivacious and optimistic personality helped her a great deal. Ms. Gould does a credible job taking Noelle from a depressed young woman to one who is willing to give Jesse a second chance.

Jesse is the hero. He went to Montana, leaving Noelle to deal with her ill mother and heartbroken. Now, he’s returned a widower with an infant daughter. I liked Jesse from the start. He tries so hard to talk to Noelle, but she kept pushing him away. Fortunately, Holly plays the matchmaker and makes it possible for him to finally speak with Holly. While the ending is positive, it felt rushed to me. Nonetheless, an enjoyable Christmas tale with a positive message.

An Amish Christmas Recipe Box by Jan Drexler

A heartwarming Christmas romance with engaging characters and lesson to look beyond the surface. Ada has a crush on Amos who works in her father’s woodworking shop. Another young man befriends her, offering friendship and a sympathetic ear.

When the Amos derides Ada’s efforts to attract his attention, Matthias stands up for her. That sealed the deal for me, and I really hoped Ada’s eyes would be opened to the much better man in her life.

I enjoyed the message and the emotional writing in An Amish Recipe. It shows how looks are not everything. The heart of a person is much more important, and Matthias has a heart of gold. I am glad I had the chance to read this well-written novella, my favorite of the three!

An Unexpected Christmas Gift By Kate Lloyd

This story is about a young woman searching for her birth mother. Her search takes her to Amish country where she meets relatives that she discovered from a DNA test. It shows the open hearts of the family, and Maria yearns to be a part of this loving family.

The romance is lightly sprinkled in lightly and is more eluded to than shown. I liked the characters, especially the matriarch of the family. It has an enjoyable, if somewhat abrupt ending.

If you enjoy sweet Amish Christmas stories with engaging characters and heartwarming plots, then you will love An Amish Christmas Kitchen. It’s sure to put you in the mood for the upcoming holidays. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews136 followers
September 2, 2019
Earlier I had reported that Netgalley copy was messed up and it is! So I waited on my print copy.
Some pretty fabulous authors and stories in here for certain sure.
There's a little something for everyone and I know I spent a wonderful afternoon reading with no one to bother me. If you're an early Christmas reader then this will get you into the Christmas mood. Me I'm a procrastinator. I don't like celebrating Christmas too early. It has a tendency to ruin it for me.
I think that my favorite story will be the one by Leslie Could.
There are great characters in here and a love and friendship like no other. This story will also make you drool but then every Amish does because of their famous cooking and as always with any Amish book there are some wonderful recipes at the end of each chapter like for example An Amish family Christmas has Baked Creamsticks. Never heard of them but they sure sound good!!
The 2nd one
An Amish Christmas Recipe Box certainly will make you grin as we watch this young woman Ada try woo an Amish man named Amos. I like that name. It was my uncle's name. They always did say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Some cases this is true even for Englishers. Although how Amos acts I want to pop him one. His attitude stinks.
Will he and Ada get together or does God have something or someone else in mind for Ada? You'll just have to read the story to find out!
I loved this one too.! Jan is an awesome writer. She sweeps you away in the 1st chapter of the novella
My favorite cookie is the sugar cookies. My mom's specialty. She'd yell at me if I touched the dough.
There's another neat recipe at the end of this novella. Sounds yummy!
Kate Lloyd story An Unexpected Christmas gift is good too. The recipe Carmel Christmas Cake sounds yummy too. I think I'd like to try this this year.
Each story is a delight! For Amish fans a like will enjoy these sweet stories and get excited about Christmas
My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
I will reread this book as it gets closer to Christmas.
Profile Image for Chastity Ray.
168 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2019
An Amish Christmas Kitchen is a collection of 3 novellas guaranteed to get you in the Christmas Spirit! Normally, I'm not a fan of Christmas stories this early in the season but I couldn't put these down. Each novella stands alone so if you don't feel like reading the whole book in one sitting you don't have to, but if you're like me you can't resist! Each story pulled on my heart strings and left me feeling the magic of Christmas. It would be hard to pick a favorite but if I had to I'd pick An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd. I felt for Maria, trying to find where she belongs but not sure who to trust. It's definitely a page turner! A nice touch to the book is that each author contributed an authentic recipe for the reader to try. All in all I loved this book and I believe you will too!
Profile Image for Ebosereme Nwamu.
632 reviews70 followers
October 25, 2019
An Amish Family Christmas.
By Leslie Gould.

Noelle. Can God fill her with hope again? That was the story from her perspective. A lot of loss had happened to her, the man she thought she'd spend the rest of her life with left her or so she thought. She withdrew into a shell until life brought back a lot more that she thought she could handle. I loved her efforts in bringing her family together. I loved reading about how she learnt to stand up for herself.
Jesse filled with his own pain returned home and to the woman he loved. I loved reading about how he tried to make things better between himself and Noelle. His patience with her was remarkable.
I enjoyed reading about how they found their way back to each other.
One profound lesson I learnt is not to presume or listen to gossip but thrive to know the truth.


An Amish Christmas Recipe box. By Jan Drexler

Awwww Ada and Matthias.
Beautiful love story.

Ada has always taken Matthias as a friend while she was pinning over another. Mathhias has always liked her and sort her attention.
Love unrequited drove them together in this beautiful story.
I love reading about how he adored her even when she wasn't sure of herself. I loved Ada's beautiful heart and cheerful spirit.
Love is always worth waiting for, I loved the emphasis of that in this beautiful novella.
Everyone needs a sweet family like Ada's.


An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd.

After taking a test, Maria's life toppled and she sort for answers in an Amish community where she met with a wonderful Amish family and her Beau Troy.
I enjoyed how the story unravelled and the love and beautiful community of the Amish people.
A wonderful story of love and second chances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgallery for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
Profile Image for Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea).
949 reviews68 followers
September 6, 2019
I love Christmas, I love novellas (they’re fast and easy to read!), and I love Amish, so what better combination than all three wrapped up into one amazing collection? There isn’t anything better, if you ask me. And, I have to say, this collection was worth the anticipation, worth the wait. All these authors did a fabulous job!

But, one specific story I want to focus on is Kate Lloyd’s An Unexpected Christmas Gift. After reading all of Lloyd’s other novels, I knew I needed to read this story. And, I will tell you, I was not disappointed! It was a quick read, I read it in just an hour, but it was packed full of amazing characters, and one heart warming, soul moving message of truth and forgiveness.

Following Maria Romano and her story was moving. I loved every minute of this holiday novella. I fell in love with Naomi, Nancy, Anna and Silas, the Amish family that invited her in, I fell in love with Maria herself and Naomi’s sister Linda, I loved Troy Bennett and despite my food allergies and not able to eat a lot of delicious amazing food, I fell in love with the recipe that Lloyd included in the story. I will definitely be making the Christmas Caramel Cake for my guys!

If you’re a fan of Christmas, Amish, and working in the kitchen, then I will tell you right now. This is a collection of stories you don’t want to miss. All the stories are worthy of 4 stars and have a touch of romance woven in. Don’t miss it! You’ll be sharing this collection of holiday stories with all your book loving, Amish loving friends.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher, Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
515 reviews
September 9, 2019
An Amish Christmas Kitchen is a compilation of three Christmas themed novellas by Kate Lloyd, Jan Drexler, and Leslie Gould. I have only read an Unexpected Christmas Gift by Kate Lloyd, but I will be reading the others closer to Christmas. At just under 100 pages, this is a really quick read.

I thought the storyline was very different and interesting. It was nice reading about the simpler life of the Amish, and how they are so caring and helpful with their relatives and even strangers. I actually wish this story would’ve been longer so things could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. I wanted to read more about Maria and the developing relationships in this story. I’m looking forward to reading the other two novellas.

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