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An Amish Heirloom
An Amish Heirloom: Three Stories
From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come three stories about the meaning and tradition found behind every family heirloom.
A Legacy of Love
by Amy ClipstonLocal volunteer fire fighter Leon King agrees to repair his ex-girlfriend Susie Bontrager's grandparents' antique rocking chairs for her future home with her fiance and is forced to acknowledge that his feelings for her have not quite gone away. As Susie spends time with Leon, she begins to recognize she is marrying the wrong man for all the wrong reasons.
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Decades after inheriting her great grandmother's cedar chest, Emma Fisher decides to pry it open only to discover a beautiful love story in the form of letters between her great grandparents. But as Emma immerses herself in their story, family secrets are revealed, and she must decide whether to share them to preserve family history or honor her great grandparents' decision to leave them hidden.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
For the past two years, Shane Broyles has felt God leading him to join the Amish. He's staying with his friends Noah and Ivy Schlabach in Birch Creek, OH, where he is reunited with Lucy Fisher, an old friend of Noah's family. Shane and Lucy have never revealed their feelings for each other, but when they stumble upon an antique Bible at a flea market, they feel drawn to each other and to the mystery of the contents found within.
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Decades after inheriting her great grandmother's cedar chest, Emma Fisher decides to pry it open only to discover a beautiful love story in the form of letters between her great grandparents. But as Emma immerses herself in their story, family secrets are revealed, and she must decide whether to share them to preserve family history or honor her great grandparents' decision to leave them hidden.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
For the past two years, Shane Broyles has felt God leading him to join the Amish. He's staying with his friends Noah and Ivy Schlabach in Birch Creek, OH, where he is reunited with Lucy Fisher, an old friend of Noah's family. Shane and Lucy have never revealed their feelings for each other, but when they stumble upon an antique Bible at a flea market, they feel drawn to each other and to the mystery of the contents found within.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 8, 2019
130 people are currently reading
1114 people want to read
About the author
Amy Clipston
106 books2,204 followersHi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.
Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)
Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)
Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)
An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)
An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)
An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)
An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)
Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)
Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)
Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)
Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)
Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)
Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)
Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)
Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)
Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)
An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)
An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)
An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)
An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)
Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)
Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)
Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)
Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)
Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)
Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 17, 2025
Three and a half stars.
This is a book of four separate stories or novellas by four different authors. I am not usually a fan of short stories or short fiction. I think that is mostly because i feel in shorter fiction the reader never gets to know the characters in an in-depth way. Having said that, I did enjoy this book. It is a light read that I picked up just for a change.
I am not going to tell you about each story. Better just to go into them and enjoy these gentle stories without knowing too much about them beforehand.
Of the four authors, two were familiar to me from other books. All the stories are about faith, romance and family. An enjoyable read and I am sure a lot of people who enjoy Amish based fiction will love it. I admit I still prefer to read a novel, but this was a nice change.
This is a book of four separate stories or novellas by four different authors. I am not usually a fan of short stories or short fiction. I think that is mostly because i feel in shorter fiction the reader never gets to know the characters in an in-depth way. Having said that, I did enjoy this book. It is a light read that I picked up just for a change.
I am not going to tell you about each story. Better just to go into them and enjoy these gentle stories without knowing too much about them beforehand.
Of the four authors, two were familiar to me from other books. All the stories are about faith, romance and family. An enjoyable read and I am sure a lot of people who enjoy Amish based fiction will love it. I admit I still prefer to read a novel, but this was a nice change.
April 5, 2018
Four page-turning stories, that kept me riveted and loving these reads, and I wanted more when the last page was turned. I also liked that some of the characters in these stories have been with me before and I learned to care for them.
This read will keep your attention whether you only have a few minutes to give or maybe time to move on to the next. They are all equally great, and you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
This read will keep your attention whether you only have a few minutes to give or maybe time to move on to the next. They are all equally great, and you will not be disappointed. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 25, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this set of Amish novellas by some of my favorite Christian fiction authors. Heart tugging get your attention stories you will definitely want to read more than once. Each story incorporates a family heirloom into the story and it brings the families together in a loving and caring way.
Pub Date 10 Apr 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date 10 Apr 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 14, 2018
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
Local volunteer fire fighter Leon King agrees to repair his ex-girlfriend Susie Bontrager’s grandparents’ antique rocking chairs for her future home with her fiance and is forced to acknowledge that his feelings for her have not quite gone away. As Susie spends time with Leon, she begins to recognize she is marrying the wrong man for all the wrong reasons.
My thoughts: This was a sweet romance by popular Amy Clipston. I liked Leon and Susie though both were playing with fire. I could understand Susie's fiance's distrust of Leon and his motives even though Susie was the one who sought him out, not vice-versa. I greatly enjoyed this story.
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Decades after inheriting her great grandmother’s cedar chest, Emma Fisher decides to pry it open only to discover a beautiful love story in the form of letters between her great grandparents. But as Emma immerses herself in their story, family secrets are revealed, and she must decide whether to share them to preserve family history or honor her great grandparents’ decision to leave them hidden.
My thoughts: I've come to expect women's fiction from Ms. Wiseman and that is what this is. Two married women, one young one middle aged. And a cedar chest full of memories of a great-great grandma barely known. When a stack of ribboned letters is discovered the women start reading about a past love facing hardship and might change the course of the future. This is Beth Wiseman at her finest. Fans of Amish women's fiction will devour this novella.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
For the past two years, Shane Broyles has felt God leading him to join the Amish. He’s staying with his friends Noah and Ivy Schlabach in Birch Creek, OH, where he is reunited with Lucy Fisher, an old friend of Noah’s family. Shane and Lucy have never revealed their feelings for each other, but when they stumble upon an antique Bible at a flea market, they feel drawn to each other and to the mystery of the contents found within.
My thoughts: The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller is another sweet romance. I enjoyed getting to know Shane and Lucy and their meddling relative. It is a bit of reality suspended for the sake of story, but it all wrapped up in a sweet way that was perfect for a HEA moment. I rather wondered if Shane would become an Amish lawyer and hang his shingle out in Ohio. Since he joined that Amish with a law degree and experience, it is plausible. A good read.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin
Iris Beachy serves as a midwife in her district where she longs for a family of her own. When her friend’s brother Mahon Kurtz seeks her help in delivering the baby of two young teenagers who have sought refuge in their town, they begin to see each other in a different light. Unprepared for parenthood, the young couple leave their baby girl behind in an antique crib quilt resembling the one destined for Iris when she becomes a mother. Mahon and Iris come together to take care of the baby as they try to find her parents, and they begin to see new possibilities for their future.
My thoughts: The Midwife's Dream is a totally sweet romance. Heartbreaking with the teenagers' decisions, and heart-rending for Iris, exhausted, trying to care for a newborn, and take care of other new mothers. It was nice that Mahon was so willing to help Iris and it was nice watching love grow. It was also great revisiting Jamesport, Missouri again, home of real Amish and fictional Amish stories penned by Kelly Irving, Charlotte Hubbard, Mary Ellis, and Laura V. Hilton and maybe others. It was like going home in a story.
My overall thoughts: A sweet collection, probably the best collection yet containing these four authors.
March 11, 2018
A lovely collection of four separate stories, each one with a unique heirloom--old letters, rocking chairs, an old Bible, and a baby quilt--and a tender romance.
"Please, God. Guide my heart and show me the right path, the one you have for me."
The main characters are all people of faith, searching for God's will in their life, serving their families and others in their communities while they wait. Some of the couples were acquaintances, or friends from childhood. One story involved a struggling newlywed couple. I liked this one the best as it had a dual timeline told through old letters. There are some difficult situations involving unwed mothers, miscommunication, and interference from others, making their road to love complicated. I enjoyed all of the stories and getting a glimpse of the Amish faith community, which is something I know very little about. I look forward to reading more from these authors who were all new to me.
Recommend to readers who enjoy gentle Christian-based romances.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
"Please, God. Guide my heart and show me the right path, the one you have for me."
The main characters are all people of faith, searching for God's will in their life, serving their families and others in their communities while they wait. Some of the couples were acquaintances, or friends from childhood. One story involved a struggling newlywed couple. I liked this one the best as it had a dual timeline told through old letters. There are some difficult situations involving unwed mothers, miscommunication, and interference from others, making their road to love complicated. I enjoyed all of the stories and getting a glimpse of the Amish faith community, which is something I know very little about. I look forward to reading more from these authors who were all new to me.
Recommend to readers who enjoy gentle Christian-based romances.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
May 5, 2018
Another lovely collection of Amish themed stories from a group of my favorite authors in the genre! My favorite was The Midwife's Dream because it had such a sweet romance with a long-time unrequited love revealed and all the special feelings that come with realizing a friend can become something more. I also enjoyed The Treasured Book since I had read the series by the author set in Birch Creek and it was fun to see Aunt Cevilla playing matchmaker again. The Cedar Chest is bittersweet and I appreciated the wisdom of a mother gently helping her married daughter who is going through a rocky time in her marriage. A Legacy of Love is centered around a past relationship that is getting a second chance as Susie and Leon realize that their timing and communication was off before. I'd recommend this novella collection to fans of Amish fiction!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
April 18, 2018
I normally am not a fan of novellas, but these four were not your normal novellas. I really enjoyed them.
I must say that you are going to want to dive into them and see which one is your favorite. I will share mine The Legacy of Love and The Treasured Book, Duh of course you know I'm going to love that one and the Midwife's Dream I read them all in one sitting one evening.
This book was a 4 star book. I recommend giving it a try.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I must say that you are going to want to dive into them and see which one is your favorite. I will share mine The Legacy of Love and The Treasured Book, Duh of course you know I'm going to love that one and the Midwife's Dream I read them all in one sitting one evening.
This book was a 4 star book. I recommend giving it a try.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
April 9, 2018
An Amish Heirloom contains four novellas by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin. Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston involves Leon King, a local volunteer fire fighter and carpenter. Susie Bontrager, Leon’s ex-girlfriend, is getting married to Josh Chupp and she wants her grandmother’s rocking chairs repaired for her new home. Leon agrees to restore them for Susie. Susie stops by Lancaster Furniture Sales and Repair each week to check up on the rocking chairs and old feelings begin to resurface for each of them. Leon regrets letting Susie get away, but he does not want to come between her and Josh. Meanwhile, Susie recognizes that she agreed to marry Josh for the wrong reasons. Will the rocking chairs bring Leon and Susie back together?
Beth Wiseman wrote The Cedar Chest which features Emma Fisher and her daughter, Catherine. Emma knows something is bothering Catherine, but she cannot get her daughter to confide in her. They are in the basement and find the cedar chest that belonged to Emma’s great grandmother which has been unopened since her death. Inside are letters written by her great grandparents. They tell the story of how they came to be together. Emma and Catherine decide to read the letters together. Emma is hoping it will allow time for Catherine to open up to her. She is unprepared for the secrets that come to light when they read the letters.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller takes us to Birch Creek, Ohio. Lucy Fisher has traveled to Birch Creek to assist Cevilla Schlabach while she recovers from a sprained ankle. Lucy is surprised when she is picked up at the bus station by Shane Broyles who is staying with Noah Schlabach and his wife, Ivy. Lucy and her father had helped Shane renovate a home in Iowa. Lucy carries the miniature Bible that Shane gave her and has been careful not to reveal to Shane how much she cares for him. Shane is considering joining the Amish faith and is using his time in Birch Creek to decide. Cevilla wants Lucy to use her time in Birch Creek to build a life for herself and away from her parents. Shane and Lucy spend time together and are becoming closer. Then Shane’s ex-fiancé arrives in town and wants him back.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin is set in Jamesport, Missouri. Iris Beachy twenty-three years old and is the midwife for her community. Her dream is to have a family of her own, but she is still in love with man who is married to someone else. Mahon Kurtz seeks her help with delivering the baby of a teenage Englischer. Jessica and her boyfriend, Quinn are traveling to Texas and are unprepared when she goes into labor early. Iris brings them home and delivers their little girl, Lily Marie. The next morning Iris finds the two teenagers gone, but they left the baby behind wrapped in a beautiful quilt similar to one Iris will inherit when she becomes a mother. Mahon is able to provide sketches of the two teenagers which they use to trace their movements around town. Iris had always considered Mahon her best friends’ older brother, but, as she spends time with him, she sees him in a different light. Mahon has been in love with Iris for years and has just been waiting for her to get over her prior love.
An Amish Heirloom contains four heartwarming stories that captured and held my attention. Each story has great characters and beautiful settings. I like how each story has an antique item that helps bring the couples together. A handmade quilt, love letters, a miniature Bible and antique rockers are the four items that help unite these four couples. The novellas are well-written and have an easy pace. It is nice to take a break from a full-length book and read these shorter wholesome tales. The authors did a wonderful job at interlacing the Christian elements into their stories. In God’s timing, having faith, the power of prayer, and family values are some of the Christian themes. It was delightful to revisit Cevilla Schlabach. She is an entertaining, eccentric character and provides levity to The Treasured Book. I hope Kathleen Fuller will feature Cevilla in future books. In Amy Clipston’s Legacy of Love, I appreciate her featuring Amish volunteer firefighters. Local fire departments in many areas rely on volunteer fire fighter’s, and I did not know that Amish volunteered for this service. Four wholesome, heartfelt novellas from four seasoned Amish writers. Settle into a comfy chair, relax and escape into An Amish Heirloom--a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Beth Wiseman wrote The Cedar Chest which features Emma Fisher and her daughter, Catherine. Emma knows something is bothering Catherine, but she cannot get her daughter to confide in her. They are in the basement and find the cedar chest that belonged to Emma’s great grandmother which has been unopened since her death. Inside are letters written by her great grandparents. They tell the story of how they came to be together. Emma and Catherine decide to read the letters together. Emma is hoping it will allow time for Catherine to open up to her. She is unprepared for the secrets that come to light when they read the letters.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller takes us to Birch Creek, Ohio. Lucy Fisher has traveled to Birch Creek to assist Cevilla Schlabach while she recovers from a sprained ankle. Lucy is surprised when she is picked up at the bus station by Shane Broyles who is staying with Noah Schlabach and his wife, Ivy. Lucy and her father had helped Shane renovate a home in Iowa. Lucy carries the miniature Bible that Shane gave her and has been careful not to reveal to Shane how much she cares for him. Shane is considering joining the Amish faith and is using his time in Birch Creek to decide. Cevilla wants Lucy to use her time in Birch Creek to build a life for herself and away from her parents. Shane and Lucy spend time together and are becoming closer. Then Shane’s ex-fiancé arrives in town and wants him back.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin is set in Jamesport, Missouri. Iris Beachy twenty-three years old and is the midwife for her community. Her dream is to have a family of her own, but she is still in love with man who is married to someone else. Mahon Kurtz seeks her help with delivering the baby of a teenage Englischer. Jessica and her boyfriend, Quinn are traveling to Texas and are unprepared when she goes into labor early. Iris brings them home and delivers their little girl, Lily Marie. The next morning Iris finds the two teenagers gone, but they left the baby behind wrapped in a beautiful quilt similar to one Iris will inherit when she becomes a mother. Mahon is able to provide sketches of the two teenagers which they use to trace their movements around town. Iris had always considered Mahon her best friends’ older brother, but, as she spends time with him, she sees him in a different light. Mahon has been in love with Iris for years and has just been waiting for her to get over her prior love.
An Amish Heirloom contains four heartwarming stories that captured and held my attention. Each story has great characters and beautiful settings. I like how each story has an antique item that helps bring the couples together. A handmade quilt, love letters, a miniature Bible and antique rockers are the four items that help unite these four couples. The novellas are well-written and have an easy pace. It is nice to take a break from a full-length book and read these shorter wholesome tales. The authors did a wonderful job at interlacing the Christian elements into their stories. In God’s timing, having faith, the power of prayer, and family values are some of the Christian themes. It was delightful to revisit Cevilla Schlabach. She is an entertaining, eccentric character and provides levity to The Treasured Book. I hope Kathleen Fuller will feature Cevilla in future books. In Amy Clipston’s Legacy of Love, I appreciate her featuring Amish volunteer firefighters. Local fire departments in many areas rely on volunteer fire fighter’s, and I did not know that Amish volunteered for this service. Four wholesome, heartfelt novellas from four seasoned Amish writers. Settle into a comfy chair, relax and escape into An Amish Heirloom--a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
April 15, 2018
This is a wonderful collection of stories! Amy, Kathleen, and Kelly are among authors that I love to read and read over again. An Amish Heirloom is beautifully written and collaborated, and each story brought something new to the table. As soon as I opened the book, I was hooked.
Amy, Kathleen and Kelly all wrote amazing stories for this novella. I loved the firefighter in Amy’s story! Of course, I’m married to one so I’m always partial to them. But, in trademark Amy fashion she creates a story that is believable and captivating, and full of second chances. Her characters, Leon and Susie, are chiseled perfectly and she always leaves me wanting more.
Kathleen’s story of longing and hope is stunning and also beautifully written. Shane and Lucy are sweet characters and I loved watching them interact! The connection they share over a Bible is felt throughout their story and I didn’t want it to end.
Kelly wrote a sweet story of a quilt and a baby bringing two people who have longed for each other together is another well rounded, believable story and I loved every second of it! Kelly, like Kathleen and Amy, is a well seasoned author when it comes to creating stories of hope, longing and inspiration.
However, despite me loving those stories, I wasn’t overly fond of Beth’s story in this one. For a while now, I’ve had a hard time getting into her stories. Something about her writing style has changed and I find it difficult to get into. But, I didn’t let that deter me. I read her story and pushed on and finished it, and while I didn’t care for this one, it still lent a nice piece to the collaboration.
That all said, this is a 4 star read for me! These ladies bring inspiring messages to the table for their fans and left me wanting more from them. Each story has something in it that is special to the characters, and really made miss my grandmother (she passed away in 2017), and how she would make everyone a quilt here, or give them something special there, to cherish and love. Well done ladies, and I look forward to another collaboration!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Amy, Kathleen and Kelly all wrote amazing stories for this novella. I loved the firefighter in Amy’s story! Of course, I’m married to one so I’m always partial to them. But, in trademark Amy fashion she creates a story that is believable and captivating, and full of second chances. Her characters, Leon and Susie, are chiseled perfectly and she always leaves me wanting more.
Kathleen’s story of longing and hope is stunning and also beautifully written. Shane and Lucy are sweet characters and I loved watching them interact! The connection they share over a Bible is felt throughout their story and I didn’t want it to end.
Kelly wrote a sweet story of a quilt and a baby bringing two people who have longed for each other together is another well rounded, believable story and I loved every second of it! Kelly, like Kathleen and Amy, is a well seasoned author when it comes to creating stories of hope, longing and inspiration.
However, despite me loving those stories, I wasn’t overly fond of Beth’s story in this one. For a while now, I’ve had a hard time getting into her stories. Something about her writing style has changed and I find it difficult to get into. But, I didn’t let that deter me. I read her story and pushed on and finished it, and while I didn’t care for this one, it still lent a nice piece to the collaboration.
That all said, this is a 4 star read for me! These ladies bring inspiring messages to the table for their fans and left me wanting more from them. Each story has something in it that is special to the characters, and really made miss my grandmother (she passed away in 2017), and how she would make everyone a quilt here, or give them something special there, to cherish and love. Well done ladies, and I look forward to another collaboration!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
May 22, 2018
A Legacy of Love (Amy Clipston) - 4 stars
Amy’s novella was clearly the best. It was a cute story about a second chance at love, and I really enjoyed the cameos from the Amish homestead series.
The Cedar Chest (Beth Wiseman) - 1.5 stars
I feel like Beth Wiseman might not be for me. Her stories tend to be fairly depressing and this one was no different. Both the flashback story and the story in the present were depressing. It was weird because while the story was super dark, it seemed like the conflict was resolved too easily.
The Treasured Book (Kathleen Fuller) - 3 stars
This one was cute. I haven’t read many stories about a non Amish person becoming Amish, so that added an interesting dimension to the plot.
The Midwife’s Dream (Kelly Irvin) - 1.5 stars
The story didn’t “gel” with me. I didn’t like the romance at all - it was very sudden and I didn’t get a sense of the great love he had for her. The plotline about the abandoned baby seemed borrowed from the Canadian West series by Janette Oke.
Amy’s novella was clearly the best. It was a cute story about a second chance at love, and I really enjoyed the cameos from the Amish homestead series.
The Cedar Chest (Beth Wiseman) - 1.5 stars
I feel like Beth Wiseman might not be for me. Her stories tend to be fairly depressing and this one was no different. Both the flashback story and the story in the present were depressing. It was weird because while the story was super dark, it seemed like the conflict was resolved too easily.
The Treasured Book (Kathleen Fuller) - 3 stars
This one was cute. I haven’t read many stories about a non Amish person becoming Amish, so that added an interesting dimension to the plot.
The Midwife’s Dream (Kelly Irvin) - 1.5 stars
The story didn’t “gel” with me. I didn’t like the romance at all - it was very sudden and I didn’t get a sense of the great love he had for her. The plotline about the abandoned baby seemed borrowed from the Canadian West series by Janette Oke.
April 6, 2018
This collection of Amish novellas is filled with hope! Each story is centered around an heirloom. Susie Bontrager’s grandparents’ rocking chairs; Emma Fisher’s great-grandmother’s unopened cedar chest; an antique Bible Shane Broyles and Lucy Fisher found at a flea market and midwife Iris Beachey and a baby quilt. Every novella is distinctive and full of inspiration and faithfulness. I enjoy these short novels as they are a nice break from a regular length book without compromising the story. This is a talented group of authors and a definite must-read!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
May 23, 2018
An Amish Heirloom is a collection of four stories by four fabulous Amish fiction writers. Those stories include:
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
A Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin
I enjoyed every one of these stories and I can not pick a favorite.
I give An Amish Heirloom a well deserved 5 plus stars. I most definitely recommend it for any lover of Amish fiction.
I receive this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
A Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin
I enjoyed every one of these stories and I can not pick a favorite.
I give An Amish Heirloom a well deserved 5 plus stars. I most definitely recommend it for any lover of Amish fiction.
I receive this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
March 15, 2018
An Amish Heirloom
An Amish Heirloom is a collection of novellas from four of my favorite Amish fiction authors: Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin. This set of stories does not disappoint! It is fun to read while reminding us of values such as love, honesty, and faith.
In the first story, A Legacy of Love, by Clipston, we get to learn Leon’s story. We first met Leon in A Place at Our Table, the first in her Amish Homestead series. Leon is a local volunteer firefighter and a carpenter. When his ex girlfriend Susie comes to him to ask him to refurbish two antique chairs for her to use in her new home after she marries, he is more than happy to help her. What he doesn’t expect is to find that his feelings for her have not lessened with time apart. If anything, the more time he spends with her as he is fixing the chairs, the more he realizes how much he still loves her. Susie also is experiencing doubts about her feelings for her fiancé and wondering if Leon doesn’t still hold her heart. Will they mend their love while he is mending her chairs or will they realize they are best apart? I really enjoyed this story. I am excited about the next book in the Amish Homestead series also! You can always count on Clipston to engage you with her characters and make you smile.
The second story is The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman. When Emma and her daughter Catherine discover an old chest in the basement full of letters written back in the twenties by their ancestors, they can’t help but explore them and discover more about the past. However, they soon realize that their family almost wasn’t to be. A series of circumstances caused some trouble that had to be worked through. Catherine, especially, is moved by these letters, as she and her husband have been having some difficulties. As she reads more, she learns that she can work through whatever is happening if she just has faith and doesn’t give up on her and her husband’s love. I thought this story was really sweet. I love books that go back and forth in time, between the past and the present. Wiseman does a great job here of making you want to know what is happening in both worlds. I would love to read more about these characters in the future!
The next story is by Kathleen Fuller, The Treasured Book. In this story Shane and Lucy are old friends who meet again when a kindly, although meddling, older lady needs Lucy’s assistance and Shane is there also. Lucy has always liked Shane but since he is not Amish, she knows that it won’t work out between them. Little does she know, Shane has been considering converting to the Amish faith for some time now. That is, in fact, why he is there. He is living with friends while he speaks with the Bishop and prays over his future. Unfortunately, his old fiancé and his family are against his choice and put pressure on him to come back home. Will he cave in to the pressure or will he and Lucy find a future together? I thought this story was great. I can’t wait to read Words from the Heart, which was a prelude to this story. Fuller did a great job of really reaching me with her characters!
The final story in the set is The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin. In this story, Iris is a midwife who longs for the chance to have her own family and babies. She loves being a midwife but her heart calls out for a home and family of her own. When a young English girl and her boyfriend arrive at her home to deliver their child, Iris helps them as she would any other. They have a sweet young girl named Lilly and then leave during the night, leaving the child in Iris’ care. She and Mahon, who has secretly loved her for his entire life, work together to take care of the child and also to find her parents. The more time they spend together, the more Iris realizes that maybe what her heart desires has been staring at her all along. I really liked this story. It made me smile and reminded me that love comes when we least expect it and in God’s timing. I have not read the prelude to this one either, Irvin’s Upon a Spring Breeze, but I am sure I will soon!
Thank you to each of these ladies for sharing your characters with us! I fall in love every time I open one of your books and I am grateful, as always, for the chance to meet them. I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest opinion. All opinions are expressly my own!
An Amish Heirloom is a collection of novellas from four of my favorite Amish fiction authors: Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Irvin. This set of stories does not disappoint! It is fun to read while reminding us of values such as love, honesty, and faith.
In the first story, A Legacy of Love, by Clipston, we get to learn Leon’s story. We first met Leon in A Place at Our Table, the first in her Amish Homestead series. Leon is a local volunteer firefighter and a carpenter. When his ex girlfriend Susie comes to him to ask him to refurbish two antique chairs for her to use in her new home after she marries, he is more than happy to help her. What he doesn’t expect is to find that his feelings for her have not lessened with time apart. If anything, the more time he spends with her as he is fixing the chairs, the more he realizes how much he still loves her. Susie also is experiencing doubts about her feelings for her fiancé and wondering if Leon doesn’t still hold her heart. Will they mend their love while he is mending her chairs or will they realize they are best apart? I really enjoyed this story. I am excited about the next book in the Amish Homestead series also! You can always count on Clipston to engage you with her characters and make you smile.
The second story is The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman. When Emma and her daughter Catherine discover an old chest in the basement full of letters written back in the twenties by their ancestors, they can’t help but explore them and discover more about the past. However, they soon realize that their family almost wasn’t to be. A series of circumstances caused some trouble that had to be worked through. Catherine, especially, is moved by these letters, as she and her husband have been having some difficulties. As she reads more, she learns that she can work through whatever is happening if she just has faith and doesn’t give up on her and her husband’s love. I thought this story was really sweet. I love books that go back and forth in time, between the past and the present. Wiseman does a great job here of making you want to know what is happening in both worlds. I would love to read more about these characters in the future!
The next story is by Kathleen Fuller, The Treasured Book. In this story Shane and Lucy are old friends who meet again when a kindly, although meddling, older lady needs Lucy’s assistance and Shane is there also. Lucy has always liked Shane but since he is not Amish, she knows that it won’t work out between them. Little does she know, Shane has been considering converting to the Amish faith for some time now. That is, in fact, why he is there. He is living with friends while he speaks with the Bishop and prays over his future. Unfortunately, his old fiancé and his family are against his choice and put pressure on him to come back home. Will he cave in to the pressure or will he and Lucy find a future together? I thought this story was great. I can’t wait to read Words from the Heart, which was a prelude to this story. Fuller did a great job of really reaching me with her characters!
The final story in the set is The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin. In this story, Iris is a midwife who longs for the chance to have her own family and babies. She loves being a midwife but her heart calls out for a home and family of her own. When a young English girl and her boyfriend arrive at her home to deliver their child, Iris helps them as she would any other. They have a sweet young girl named Lilly and then leave during the night, leaving the child in Iris’ care. She and Mahon, who has secretly loved her for his entire life, work together to take care of the child and also to find her parents. The more time they spend together, the more Iris realizes that maybe what her heart desires has been staring at her all along. I really liked this story. It made me smile and reminded me that love comes when we least expect it and in God’s timing. I have not read the prelude to this one either, Irvin’s Upon a Spring Breeze, but I am sure I will soon!
Thank you to each of these ladies for sharing your characters with us! I fall in love every time I open one of your books and I am grateful, as always, for the chance to meet them. I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest opinion. All opinions are expressly my own!
November 28, 2018
An Amish Heirloom contains four stories by by four popular writers of Amish fiction. They all center around family and seeking God’s perfect plan and timing in our lives. Each one highlights the many reasons these authors are so well known for their writing. I enjoyed being introduced to new characters by the authors that I’ve read before and getting to know a new author in Kathleen Fuller. All four of these authors are incredibly talented and I’m very much looking forward to finding further books with these characters.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston: While I enjoyed this story a great deal, it’s not one of my favorites by this author. Perhaps Leon and Susie’s story just doesn’t transition as well as a novella. I felt like Susie really didn’t do right by her relationship with Josh. She knew spending time with her former fiancé would make him uncomfortable but she kept finding reasons to do so, anyway. While I do think that Leon is a better fit for her, I just feel that she should have ended things with Josh before she did. I’d still love to read more of this series though.
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman: I really enjoyed the backstory about Isaac and Elizabeth. It was interesting and honestly should be turned into an entire book or series about them. I really would like to read more about Catherine and her husband, as well as Emma and the rest of their family because I felt like their story was overshadowed by the letters and the story of Isaac and Elizabeth. I did enjoy that the letters were used to teach Catharine and help her deal with things she was experiencing.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller: This was the first time I’ve read anything by this particular author and I know it will not be the last. I enjoyed this sweet story a great deal but felt like it didn’t have enough detail. Perhaps another series will give more details on these characters and how Shane and Lucy met, and how Shane decided that it was God’s will for him to join the Amish church.
The Midwife’s Dream: This was just the sweetest story! My heart broke for poor Jessica and for Iris. I think Iris and Mahon are perfect for each other and would dearly love a chance to read more of their courtship.
I’d like to thank Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, Zondervan Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an electronic copy of this wonderful book. I understand that receiving it in this manner doesn’t obligate me to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston: While I enjoyed this story a great deal, it’s not one of my favorites by this author. Perhaps Leon and Susie’s story just doesn’t transition as well as a novella. I felt like Susie really didn’t do right by her relationship with Josh. She knew spending time with her former fiancé would make him uncomfortable but she kept finding reasons to do so, anyway. While I do think that Leon is a better fit for her, I just feel that she should have ended things with Josh before she did. I’d still love to read more of this series though.
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman: I really enjoyed the backstory about Isaac and Elizabeth. It was interesting and honestly should be turned into an entire book or series about them. I really would like to read more about Catherine and her husband, as well as Emma and the rest of their family because I felt like their story was overshadowed by the letters and the story of Isaac and Elizabeth. I did enjoy that the letters were used to teach Catharine and help her deal with things she was experiencing.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller: This was the first time I’ve read anything by this particular author and I know it will not be the last. I enjoyed this sweet story a great deal but felt like it didn’t have enough detail. Perhaps another series will give more details on these characters and how Shane and Lucy met, and how Shane decided that it was God’s will for him to join the Amish church.
The Midwife’s Dream: This was just the sweetest story! My heart broke for poor Jessica and for Iris. I think Iris and Mahon are perfect for each other and would dearly love a chance to read more of their courtship.
I’d like to thank Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, Zondervan Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an electronic copy of this wonderful book. I understand that receiving it in this manner doesn’t obligate me to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
April 22, 2018
An Amish Heirloom is a collection of four beautifully written novellas. The authors of these novellas include Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston is the first novella in this collection. Leon King sees his ex-girlfriend, Susie Bontrager at a funeral. They chat for a few minutes and Susie mentions her engagement to Joshua Chapp. Later, Susie brings her grandparents' rocking chairs to Leon for him to repair since Leon is a good carpenter. Susie continues to check on the progress of the chairs weekly at Leon's shop. Soon she begins questioning her relationship with Josh. Leon also realizes his true feelings toward Susie. You will definitely want to read this fast-paced novella to find out the rest of the story!
The second novella, The Cedar Chest is written by Beth Wiseman. This dual-time story is a beautiful read! Catherine's marriage is not what she thought it would be; she thought she would be pregnant this far into her marriage. Catherine starts spending her mornings at her parents' house. She and her mother have discovered a cedar chest in the basement full of letters. The cedar chest belonged to Catherine's great-great grandmother, Elizabeth. Elizabeth has quite a story to share through her letters. Will Elizabeth's story help Catherine during this difficult time in her marriage?
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller is the next novella in the collection. Lucy Fisher was asked to come and stay in Ohio with Cevilla Schlabach until her sprained ankle heals. She agrees and is soon reunited with Englisher, Shane Broyles, whom she met at her home in Iowa. When Lucy first met Shane, she felt a connection, but can their relationship ever be more than friendship?
The final novella is The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin. Iris Beachy is the local midwife in her Amish community. She loves being the midwife, but she longs to have a baby of her own. That happens one night after delivering an English couple's baby. They leave Iris with just a note and the baby. The mother promises to be back, but will she? How can Iris tend to this baby without falling in love with her? This makes her long for marriage and a family more, but her chance at marriage is gone, or so she thinks. God has a plan for Iris, it might not be the one she asked for, but it is definitely the best one.
I recommend picking up a copy of this treasure of a book. Just like each story in this collection has a special heirloom that is passed down through the generations, you may find that this book will be passed down through the generations in your family as well.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher and author and have given my honest opinion.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston is the first novella in this collection. Leon King sees his ex-girlfriend, Susie Bontrager at a funeral. They chat for a few minutes and Susie mentions her engagement to Joshua Chapp. Later, Susie brings her grandparents' rocking chairs to Leon for him to repair since Leon is a good carpenter. Susie continues to check on the progress of the chairs weekly at Leon's shop. Soon she begins questioning her relationship with Josh. Leon also realizes his true feelings toward Susie. You will definitely want to read this fast-paced novella to find out the rest of the story!
The second novella, The Cedar Chest is written by Beth Wiseman. This dual-time story is a beautiful read! Catherine's marriage is not what she thought it would be; she thought she would be pregnant this far into her marriage. Catherine starts spending her mornings at her parents' house. She and her mother have discovered a cedar chest in the basement full of letters. The cedar chest belonged to Catherine's great-great grandmother, Elizabeth. Elizabeth has quite a story to share through her letters. Will Elizabeth's story help Catherine during this difficult time in her marriage?
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller is the next novella in the collection. Lucy Fisher was asked to come and stay in Ohio with Cevilla Schlabach until her sprained ankle heals. She agrees and is soon reunited with Englisher, Shane Broyles, whom she met at her home in Iowa. When Lucy first met Shane, she felt a connection, but can their relationship ever be more than friendship?
The final novella is The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin. Iris Beachy is the local midwife in her Amish community. She loves being the midwife, but she longs to have a baby of her own. That happens one night after delivering an English couple's baby. They leave Iris with just a note and the baby. The mother promises to be back, but will she? How can Iris tend to this baby without falling in love with her? This makes her long for marriage and a family more, but her chance at marriage is gone, or so she thinks. God has a plan for Iris, it might not be the one she asked for, but it is definitely the best one.
I recommend picking up a copy of this treasure of a book. Just like each story in this collection has a special heirloom that is passed down through the generations, you may find that this book will be passed down through the generations in your family as well.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher and author and have given my honest opinion.
April 30, 2018
An Amish Heirloom is a collection of four novella Amish stories written by four distinct voices in Inspirational Fiction. I enjoyed reading each story for the characters, spiritual encouragement and the stories that unfolded in each novella. While they were short, they felt like a good length every evening to read. This is a collection that I would recommend reading.
A Legacy of Love is written by Amy Clipston and her ability to craft a story is very unique. The reader finds themselves immersed into the story of Leon who is having a difficult time believing he could ever love again. Susie realizes she wants to marry someone, but her intentions may be for the wrong reasons. Following God isn't always easy, but it is better than making a lifelong choice that could end up in heartache. Is Leon able to find love again?
The Cedar Chest is written by Beth Wiseman and this one will tug at your heart. This story is great as we meet Catherine who has been struggle in her marriage and finds some old letters. Through the letters, Catherine learns that she can work through all difficulties if she has faith. Wiseman does a fantastic job between bringing the reader in the present and also the past while writing this story.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller is about Shane Broyles who isn't happy. In fact, he has been considering joining the amish community, but is this the plan God has for him? Will a tiny Bible bring him back to the Amish culture or will he be an English man?
The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin is the last novella in this collection. Iris Beachy is a midwife who enjoys serving, but longs to have children herself. When she delivers a baby with a friend, she sees him differently. Will something bloom between the two of them as they care for this baby and find the right family?
This novella collection is a wonderful addition to your collection of novellas. These authors are fantastic. ! I give this book 5/5 stars. A favorable review was not required for a review copy.
A Legacy of Love is written by Amy Clipston and her ability to craft a story is very unique. The reader finds themselves immersed into the story of Leon who is having a difficult time believing he could ever love again. Susie realizes she wants to marry someone, but her intentions may be for the wrong reasons. Following God isn't always easy, but it is better than making a lifelong choice that could end up in heartache. Is Leon able to find love again?
The Cedar Chest is written by Beth Wiseman and this one will tug at your heart. This story is great as we meet Catherine who has been struggle in her marriage and finds some old letters. Through the letters, Catherine learns that she can work through all difficulties if she has faith. Wiseman does a fantastic job between bringing the reader in the present and also the past while writing this story.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller is about Shane Broyles who isn't happy. In fact, he has been considering joining the amish community, but is this the plan God has for him? Will a tiny Bible bring him back to the Amish culture or will he be an English man?
The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin is the last novella in this collection. Iris Beachy is a midwife who enjoys serving, but longs to have children herself. When she delivers a baby with a friend, she sees him differently. Will something bloom between the two of them as they care for this baby and find the right family?
This novella collection is a wonderful addition to your collection of novellas. These authors are fantastic. ! I give this book 5/5 stars. A favorable review was not required for a review copy.
June 5, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH NET GALLEY. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
As with any anthology review I write, I'll be looking at the stories individually, rather than the book as a whole.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston My Rating: 3 stars
This was not the author's best work! I didn't like a lot of Leon's actions, as it really felt like he was trying to sabotage Susie's engagement. Susie was a little too wishy washy for my tastes, as if she couldn't make up her mind between the two men, and I felt like she was leading Josh on a bit. I was glad when this one was over!
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman My Rating: 5 stars
By far the best book in the anthology! I was easily immersed in the story and heavily invested in Isaac and Elizabeth's story, but the stories of Emma and Catherine seemed to take a back seat to the stories of the past. This was quite a sad story, but extremely well written!
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller My Rating: 4 stars
I've not read the Birch Creek series by this author, but now I want to! I loved the characterization, and the story was a quick and enjoyable read. The conflict felt a little too manufactured to me, but I did enjoy the story overall.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin My Rating: 3 stars
Something about this story really rubbed me the wrong way, and I am having a hard time putting my finger on what it was! There was very little romancing/wooing of Iris, and then suddenly there's declarations of love floating about! It felt very unrealistic to me, even for an Amish story. The ending was by far the best part of it, which raised it from a 2 star rating.
All things considered, I'd likely pick up a couple of the stories out of this if they were to separate the book into its individual novellas, but I'm not sure I would purchase the entire anthology.
As with any anthology review I write, I'll be looking at the stories individually, rather than the book as a whole.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston My Rating: 3 stars
This was not the author's best work! I didn't like a lot of Leon's actions, as it really felt like he was trying to sabotage Susie's engagement. Susie was a little too wishy washy for my tastes, as if she couldn't make up her mind between the two men, and I felt like she was leading Josh on a bit. I was glad when this one was over!
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman My Rating: 5 stars
By far the best book in the anthology! I was easily immersed in the story and heavily invested in Isaac and Elizabeth's story, but the stories of Emma and Catherine seemed to take a back seat to the stories of the past. This was quite a sad story, but extremely well written!
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller My Rating: 4 stars
I've not read the Birch Creek series by this author, but now I want to! I loved the characterization, and the story was a quick and enjoyable read. The conflict felt a little too manufactured to me, but I did enjoy the story overall.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin My Rating: 3 stars
Something about this story really rubbed me the wrong way, and I am having a hard time putting my finger on what it was! There was very little romancing/wooing of Iris, and then suddenly there's declarations of love floating about! It felt very unrealistic to me, even for an Amish story. The ending was by far the best part of it, which raised it from a 2 star rating.
All things considered, I'd likely pick up a couple of the stories out of this if they were to separate the book into its individual novellas, but I'm not sure I would purchase the entire anthology.
April 23, 2018
You know how I usually break down my reviews of these novella collections story by story? Well, it ain't happenin'.
I'm just going to be honest...I liked the book. I liked all four stories. But, I also didn't feel that the book as a whole was completely sensational. Being neither here nor there leaves me somewhere in the middle which makes it hard for me to do my usual book ramble.
Here is what I did love:
1. The heirlooms. Each person in this story has an heirloom in their possession. An old cradle, rocking chairs, a cedar chest and an old quilt—there's just something so nostalgic about heirlooms. It links past to present in a way that makes me feel as if I better understand my place in the world and how I'll affect future generations.
2. I loved that for the most part this book didn't have insta-love. I'm just feeling so over that trope lately. It's 2018, we need to find something new because insta-love is so overrated.
3. Cevilla. If you're an avid reader of Kathleen Fuller, you'll recognize this precious old woman. If you're not familiar with this character already, you're in for a treat!
Overall, I loved all four stories in this collection. I've not yet made up my mind how I feel about what my friend Fizzy referred to as "cheating" in the first novella. On one hand I want to say that its open game until there's a ring on it...but then she reminded me that the Amish don't even wear rings. Doh.
I felt that this collection was a solid read. If you're looking for sweet Amish love stories that are quick to read, then I really think you'd like this collection.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing
Content to be aware of: None
Suggested Age: 15+ (Best enjoyed by adults or older teens. This suggested age is not due to inappropriate content.)
This book was provided to me by BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
I'm just going to be honest...I liked the book. I liked all four stories. But, I also didn't feel that the book as a whole was completely sensational. Being neither here nor there leaves me somewhere in the middle which makes it hard for me to do my usual book ramble.
Here is what I did love:
1. The heirlooms. Each person in this story has an heirloom in their possession. An old cradle, rocking chairs, a cedar chest and an old quilt—there's just something so nostalgic about heirlooms. It links past to present in a way that makes me feel as if I better understand my place in the world and how I'll affect future generations.
2. I loved that for the most part this book didn't have insta-love. I'm just feeling so over that trope lately. It's 2018, we need to find something new because insta-love is so overrated.
3. Cevilla. If you're an avid reader of Kathleen Fuller, you'll recognize this precious old woman. If you're not familiar with this character already, you're in for a treat!
Overall, I loved all four stories in this collection. I've not yet made up my mind how I feel about what my friend Fizzy referred to as "cheating" in the first novella. On one hand I want to say that its open game until there's a ring on it...but then she reminded me that the Amish don't even wear rings. Doh.
I felt that this collection was a solid read. If you're looking for sweet Amish love stories that are quick to read, then I really think you'd like this collection.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing
Content to be aware of: None
Suggested Age: 15+ (Best enjoyed by adults or older teens. This suggested age is not due to inappropriate content.)
This book was provided to me by BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
This review originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
April 12, 2018
Do you have a favorite heirloom?
For me, it was my mothers viola.
I was playing in the basement when I came across it.
You know how curiosity kills a cat?
But, this was love at first sight and very very special.
Anyway, being not overly fond of four books in one I just had to finish this one.
Four of my favorite authors and one special story reminded me of my mothers instrument.
I especially enjoyed Elizabeth and Isaac's story. Amy has done a fabulous job in writing a dual time line. im not especially fond of those either because sometimes they can get confusing.
Elizabeth's and Isaac's story is the one brought moms instrument to mind.
I also have a special Bible keepsake as well almost like the one Shane gave Lucy.
I think its amazing how these wonderful authors know how to create characters into real ppl lives
I like the last story because it reminds us all that God gives gifts and whatever our needs in His own timing not ours.
For me, it was my mothers viola.
I was playing in the basement when I came across it.
You know how curiosity kills a cat?
But, this was love at first sight and very very special.
Anyway, being not overly fond of four books in one I just had to finish this one.
Four of my favorite authors and one special story reminded me of my mothers instrument.
I especially enjoyed Elizabeth and Isaac's story. Amy has done a fabulous job in writing a dual time line. im not especially fond of those either because sometimes they can get confusing.
Elizabeth's and Isaac's story is the one brought moms instrument to mind.
I also have a special Bible keepsake as well almost like the one Shane gave Lucy.
I think its amazing how these wonderful authors know how to create characters into real ppl lives
I like the last story because it reminds us all that God gives gifts and whatever our needs in His own timing not ours.
May 14, 2018
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
Let me tell ya a story about how this novella is killin' me. First, it was nice to seem some familiar names and character's from Amy's current series Amish Homestead. That being said, I'm not entirely sure I was emotionally ready to read about firefighters and the mention of individuals that had lost their life in a fire, even as a firefighter, I think it's just too raw yet. I didn't let that influence my rating on this novella but reading this first one was so hard and emotionally draining. It's partly why I'm putting off reading 'Room on the Porch Swing' as long as possible. I'm not ready. There's another aspect here that I can't chalk up to my own emotions or personal issues, it was how Leon and Susie came together. I don't know how to proceed without spoilers, so consider yourself warned. They had dated, and broken up about four years prior. They came into contact at a funeral (see what I mean. . . emotional turmoil!. . . and re-something their friendship. She was engaged to a neighbor boy she had fallen for, he was single. They start spending time together as 'frienden' which in and of itself seems innocent right? However, she finds herself being drawn back to him, and vice vercea. She put herself in a position to be emotionally cheating on her finance. Yes, people will say that there was no ring, no ceremony, no commitment. I very strong disagree. There is a commitment in an engagement, there is a promise of forever. If you feel like you are making a mistake you don't put yourself in a position to cheat (emotionally or otherwise). She didn't need to be sneaking around (because the truth is she kinda was) with her ex in order to determine that her fiance wasn't the one for her. She didn't need to get 'caught' (because that's how it really played out) to come to the realization and then have the conversation to end the engagement. She most assuredly didn't need to turn around and get engaged the next time she sees Leon. They are both at fault, lest you take my she's as pointing fingers only at the girl. If their relationship rekindles through cheating how can they ever truly develop trust that will last a lifetime? This just bothered me. Strongly. I felt the need to come back to this after I slept on it a minute. I appreciated and loved the the realistic approach to this topic, let's face it the Amish are no more immune to human foibles than the rest of us. My concern lies in the feel that this was glorified the idea of emotional infidelity.
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Written in a way that only Beth Wiseman can, blending the saltiness of jaded reality with the wholesome outlook of the Amish, this novella packs a lot of punch. A duel timeline, some shady history, a lot of self-doubt, and the redemption that love always wins. I have to admit that there was always this wisp of something just outside my grasp throughout reading this story. Some fact, some truth, some subtle plot point that I just couldn't quite put my finger on. I never really did figure out that wisp (and it still bugs me!) but I'll be OK. Rich characters with a plot that ended entirely too quickly this story was truly amazing.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
Cevilla! This woman needs to come live in my neighborhood. Cevilla is back and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, I adore this woman. And she's not changed one bit. It was lovely getting to go back to Birch Creek for a minute and see not only Cevilla, but Ivy and Noah as well. Cevilla is one of those older honorary aunts in your life that tends to meddle because she cares, she has life experience, and she's bored. But she's so endearing and sweet that while you want to tell her off you don't because you love her. That is Cevilla. It was interesting to see her doubt herself for a minute in this story, something you NEVER see in your honorary aunt (not because she doesn't feel it but because she doesn't admit it). Even with new character's, they fit into Birch Creek so well and the story was so blended that I didn't care it was short and sweet, it had a fullness that is hard to capture in a novella.
The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin
Maybe I'm biased as a Missouri Girl who has family that lives near Jamesport (Trenton). Maybe I'm not biased because I've not read the author's previous novels based out of Jamesport. Either way I really enjoyed this story. I have to tell you in the least spoiler-ish way possible that I loved that there wasn't a perfectly glittered bow of happily ever after. I mean some things were completely wrapped up but there was no guarantee that it would all be gravy. A promise of the potential was perfect for me. I also have to admit that there were parts of me that felt a little like Iris was a tad whiny, a slight bit annoying, and had a touch of a martyr complex. I admire her strength to desire to do what is right but I think she let other people's happiness cloud her own possibilities. I'll be honest, I feel like there were possibly little threads where these individuals had other adventures (if you will) that I feel like would have rounded them out for me more, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. These were strong well-developed people wrapped up in a sweet and heart enveloping story that was truly enjoyable and encompassing and very worth the read.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/an-ami....
Let me tell ya a story about how this novella is killin' me. First, it was nice to seem some familiar names and character's from Amy's current series Amish Homestead. That being said, I'm not entirely sure I was emotionally ready to read about firefighters and the mention of individuals that had lost their life in a fire, even as a firefighter, I think it's just too raw yet. I didn't let that influence my rating on this novella but reading this first one was so hard and emotionally draining. It's partly why I'm putting off reading 'Room on the Porch Swing' as long as possible. I'm not ready. There's another aspect here that I can't chalk up to my own emotions or personal issues, it was how Leon and Susie came together. I don't know how to proceed without spoilers, so consider yourself warned. They had dated, and broken up about four years prior. They came into contact at a funeral (see what I mean. . . emotional turmoil!. . . and re-something their friendship. She was engaged to a neighbor boy she had fallen for, he was single. They start spending time together as 'frienden' which in and of itself seems innocent right? However, she finds herself being drawn back to him, and vice vercea. She put herself in a position to be emotionally cheating on her finance. Yes, people will say that there was no ring, no ceremony, no commitment. I very strong disagree. There is a commitment in an engagement, there is a promise of forever. If you feel like you are making a mistake you don't put yourself in a position to cheat (emotionally or otherwise). She didn't need to be sneaking around (because the truth is she kinda was) with her ex in order to determine that her fiance wasn't the one for her. She didn't need to get 'caught' (because that's how it really played out) to come to the realization and then have the conversation to end the engagement. She most assuredly didn't need to turn around and get engaged the next time she sees Leon. They are both at fault, lest you take my she's as pointing fingers only at the girl. If their relationship rekindles through cheating how can they ever truly develop trust that will last a lifetime? This just bothered me. Strongly. I felt the need to come back to this after I slept on it a minute. I appreciated and loved the the realistic approach to this topic, let's face it the Amish are no more immune to human foibles than the rest of us. My concern lies in the feel that this was glorified the idea of emotional infidelity.
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Written in a way that only Beth Wiseman can, blending the saltiness of jaded reality with the wholesome outlook of the Amish, this novella packs a lot of punch. A duel timeline, some shady history, a lot of self-doubt, and the redemption that love always wins. I have to admit that there was always this wisp of something just outside my grasp throughout reading this story. Some fact, some truth, some subtle plot point that I just couldn't quite put my finger on. I never really did figure out that wisp (and it still bugs me!) but I'll be OK. Rich characters with a plot that ended entirely too quickly this story was truly amazing.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
Cevilla! This woman needs to come live in my neighborhood. Cevilla is back and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, I adore this woman. And she's not changed one bit. It was lovely getting to go back to Birch Creek for a minute and see not only Cevilla, but Ivy and Noah as well. Cevilla is one of those older honorary aunts in your life that tends to meddle because she cares, she has life experience, and she's bored. But she's so endearing and sweet that while you want to tell her off you don't because you love her. That is Cevilla. It was interesting to see her doubt herself for a minute in this story, something you NEVER see in your honorary aunt (not because she doesn't feel it but because she doesn't admit it). Even with new character's, they fit into Birch Creek so well and the story was so blended that I didn't care it was short and sweet, it had a fullness that is hard to capture in a novella.
The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin
Maybe I'm biased as a Missouri Girl who has family that lives near Jamesport (Trenton). Maybe I'm not biased because I've not read the author's previous novels based out of Jamesport. Either way I really enjoyed this story. I have to tell you in the least spoiler-ish way possible that I loved that there wasn't a perfectly glittered bow of happily ever after. I mean some things were completely wrapped up but there was no guarantee that it would all be gravy. A promise of the potential was perfect for me. I also have to admit that there were parts of me that felt a little like Iris was a tad whiny, a slight bit annoying, and had a touch of a martyr complex. I admire her strength to desire to do what is right but I think she let other people's happiness cloud her own possibilities. I'll be honest, I feel like there were possibly little threads where these individuals had other adventures (if you will) that I feel like would have rounded them out for me more, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. These were strong well-developed people wrapped up in a sweet and heart enveloping story that was truly enjoyable and encompassing and very worth the read.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/an-ami....
March 30, 2018
I've long enjoyed these short novella collections in the Amish series, and this one was no exception. Each of the stories brings something different to the table, but they all center around generations past, memories lost and reclaimed, and the joy of a continuous thread. Some of the books are connected to other series that I have read (such as A Legacy of Love), while others introduced characters that left me wondering if there is more to the series (The Treasured Book), but each story brought a unique lesson to be learned.
May 8, 2018
I don't think you can get a better collection of novellas. I loved each story in this book and felt as though the authors truly put their hearts and souls into their tales. I really could appreciate each story and the setting. The faith that the Amish community hosts and is shown in these novels is one of amazing peace. I find that I was relaxed and happier after reading the collection.
Amy Clipston story was one that struck a cord with me. It isn't easy to see your love move on and have to be helpful to the process. But Leon is persevering and Susie is seeing that maybe he wasn't the wrong choice, but the right one. It is an Amish style romance that all good Hallmark movies are built around.
Beth Wiseman also wrote a story that touched my heart in a relatable manner. We have a cedar chest that has been handed down, and I could literally smell the cedar the moment the chest came into the story. Emma learns things that change the family stories, but they don't change her love for them. That is important in faith, we love and learn to forgive.
All the stories were wonderful, and a perfect spring read. I can't wait to see the next collection!
Amy Clipston story was one that struck a cord with me. It isn't easy to see your love move on and have to be helpful to the process. But Leon is persevering and Susie is seeing that maybe he wasn't the wrong choice, but the right one. It is an Amish style romance that all good Hallmark movies are built around.
Beth Wiseman also wrote a story that touched my heart in a relatable manner. We have a cedar chest that has been handed down, and I could literally smell the cedar the moment the chest came into the story. Emma learns things that change the family stories, but they don't change her love for them. That is important in faith, we love and learn to forgive.
All the stories were wonderful, and a perfect spring read. I can't wait to see the next collection!
February 13, 2021
Each novella in this collection is a story of Christian faith and trust. The themes of these stories are tied together by items of importance, special to the family to whom each belonged. Often passed down through generations and given in love, these items represented the love of family to future offspring. Well written with endearing characters, these tales gently offer lessons in faith, in hope, and in love.
April 10, 2018
I love these novella collections, and revisiting favorite families and characters is wonderful. All of these stories are rich in faith, love, and hope, and are a great pick me up for any reader who would like to finish a book with a smile on her face.
July 9, 2018
2 stars:
The Cedar Chest
3 stars:
A Legacy of Love (An Amish Homestead)
4 stars:
The Treasured Book (The Amish of Birch Creek)
The Midwife's Dream (Every Amish Season)
Each story has a happy ending. The stories I liked had interesting stories. I liked the characters and their relationships. The story that I didn't like was because I didn't like the characters or the choices that they made. The other story was okay and so were the characters.
The Cedar Chest
3 stars:
A Legacy of Love (An Amish Homestead)
4 stars:
The Treasured Book (The Amish of Birch Creek)
The Midwife's Dream (Every Amish Season)
Each story has a happy ending. The stories I liked had interesting stories. I liked the characters and their relationships. The story that I didn't like was because I didn't like the characters or the choices that they made. The other story was okay and so were the characters.
June 10, 2021
Love all of the authors. Great stories.
April 13, 2018
I received the book as a gift from Kathleen Fuller to rate and review. I loved the book! The authors did not disappoint. I must say though that Amy Clipston's and Kathleen Fuller's stories were my favorite. They always have such twisting plots and can't-put-down stories.
March 5, 2018
A wonderful collection of four Amish Inspiration novellas.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
After local volunteer firefights, Leon King agrees to repair his ex-girlfriend’s grandmother’s beloved rocking chairs, he soon begins to face the fact that he is no over her. She has asked him to repair the chairs to be placed in her and her fiancé’s new home together. As Susie spends time with Leon checking on the progress of the chairs, she starts to wonder if old love is really the right choice
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Decades after inheriting her great grandmother’s cedar chest, Emma Fisher and her daughter decide to pry it open to discover what mystery has hidden behind the broken lock for all these years. They discover a beautiful love story in the form of letters between her great-grandparents. Family secrets once hidden, are soon brought to light and they must decide if they should let old secrets stay buried or continue to read the hidden letters.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
Shane Broyles has felt God leading him to join the Amish for the past few years. While staying with friends Noah and Ivy Schlabach in Birch Creek, OH, he is reunited with Lucy Fisher, an old friend. Shane and Lucy have never revealed their feelings for each other, but when they stumble upon an antique Bible at a flea market, they feel drawn to each other and to the mystery of the contents found within.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin
Iris Beachy serves as a midwife in her district where she longs for a family of her own. When her friend’s brother Mahon Kurtz seeks her help in delivering the baby of two young teenagers who have sought refuge in their town, she is unprepared for all that happens next. The young couple leaves their baby girl behind in an antique crib quilt resembling the one destined for Iris when she becomes a mother. Mahon and Iris come together to take care of the baby as they try to find her parents, and they begin to see new possibilities for their future.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from netgalley and Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest opinion of the book. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
After local volunteer firefights, Leon King agrees to repair his ex-girlfriend’s grandmother’s beloved rocking chairs, he soon begins to face the fact that he is no over her. She has asked him to repair the chairs to be placed in her and her fiancé’s new home together. As Susie spends time with Leon checking on the progress of the chairs, she starts to wonder if old love is really the right choice
The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
Decades after inheriting her great grandmother’s cedar chest, Emma Fisher and her daughter decide to pry it open to discover what mystery has hidden behind the broken lock for all these years. They discover a beautiful love story in the form of letters between her great-grandparents. Family secrets once hidden, are soon brought to light and they must decide if they should let old secrets stay buried or continue to read the hidden letters.
The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
Shane Broyles has felt God leading him to join the Amish for the past few years. While staying with friends Noah and Ivy Schlabach in Birch Creek, OH, he is reunited with Lucy Fisher, an old friend. Shane and Lucy have never revealed their feelings for each other, but when they stumble upon an antique Bible at a flea market, they feel drawn to each other and to the mystery of the contents found within.
The Midwife’s Dream by Kelly Irvin
Iris Beachy serves as a midwife in her district where she longs for a family of her own. When her friend’s brother Mahon Kurtz seeks her help in delivering the baby of two young teenagers who have sought refuge in their town, she is unprepared for all that happens next. The young couple leaves their baby girl behind in an antique crib quilt resembling the one destined for Iris when she becomes a mother. Mahon and Iris come together to take care of the baby as they try to find her parents, and they begin to see new possibilities for their future.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from netgalley and Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest opinion of the book. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
March 14, 2018
This book gives you a look into 4 peoples lives and how the heirloom they have come across affects them. The first one with the chairs. They lead her back to a past love. The second a hope chest. The chest brings memories from generations back that help a young woman see the importance in her marriage. The third a Bible. This Bible helps her see the promise of love. The fourth a Baby Blanket. Through giving up a man who wasn't her true love and caring for a baby who needed her at that moment she is given a chance to see true love. All these stories are about Gods plan for us. You will feel the Love and Faith in these stories
March 9, 2018
An Amish Heirloom is a great collection of inspirational romance books. Each collection is well written with a good plot and believable characters. I lays enjoy books by the author’s ho contributed to thi set. I highly recommend
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