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Green Mountain Blessings #1

An Amish Christmas Promise

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Will she jeopardize her family secret for love?

Secrecy kept her family safe…Will she risk it all for a chance at love?

Carolyn Wiebe discarded her Amish roots to hide her niece and nephew from their violent father. Yet when a hurricane crashes into their isolated Mennonite life, she can no longer keep the world at bay. With Christmas approaching, Amish carpenter Michael Miller wants to help her rebuild her home. But can their burgeoning love withstand the rising storm of her secrets?

Green Mountain Blessings

368 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2019

53 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Jo Ann Brown

113 books261 followers

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5 stars
54 (36%)
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63 (42%)
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25 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Diane.
2,839 reviews22 followers
February 5, 2020
An Amish man who is struggling with his faith finds a new purpose when he travels to a small Amish settlement in Vermont. Evergreen Corners has been ripped apart by a flash flood leaving Carolyn and her two young children homeless with only the kindness of their fellow Amish community to rely on. Carolyn and Michael are sympathetic characters making the best of their painful past experiences but it’s Carolyn’s unwavering faith and her positive attitude that shines through this dramatic story. The children’s antics add some much needed levity but Kevin and AnnaRose have had everything ripped away from them and their fear of another flood broke my heart. Michael and Carolyn’s blossoming romance is heartwarming but not everyone wants a happily ever after for these characters. I read an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,064 reviews82 followers
November 25, 2019
An Amish Christmas Promise by Jo Ann Brown is the first installment in Green Mountain Blessings series. I enjoyed reading this touching Amish story. Carolyn Wiebe is a woman who is doing what it takes to keep her niece, Rose Ann and nephew, Kevin safe from their abusive father. Kevin and Rose Ann are active, kind children. I like that Carolyn is teaching them about God, the Bible and how to live a life of faith. Michael Miller is an Amish carpenter from Harmony Creek Hollow is not sure what he wants to do. He feels unsettled and unsure if he wishes to become baptized in the Amish faith. He had a woman break his heart and is wary of trusting another with his heart. Carolyn and the kids were doing well until the flood waters destroyed their home. They lost everything but Carolyn manages to stay upbeat and calm (she is a better person than me). Carolyn believes that God does things for a reason and that He will provide for them. There are good life lessons and messages in An Amish Christmas Promise. We get to see the devastating effects of hurricane floodwaters and how a community can come together to help each other in a time of need. We see how life can change in an instant. It was interesting to learn about Mennonite Disaster Services and Amish Helping Hands. These are wonderful organizations with thoughtful, hardworking volunteers. There are three phrases that I wanted to share from the An Amish Christmas Promise. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” and “God is always watching over you” are two that I want to remember. The third one is “It’s not an easy task to ask others for help”. I am guilty of this because I dislike asking for assistance. An Amish Christmas Promise is a poignant story.
3,942 reviews1,764 followers
December 4, 2019
An Amish romance with more than one unique twist. Love the unusual (for Amish stories) locale of Vermont. And I found the inner workings of disaster relief organizations like Amish Helping Hands and the Mennonite Disaster Service absolutely fascinating. Brown really captures the trauma and heartache that comes after a natural disaster -- in this case a flood that destroyed most of the town. She portrays the stark reality through the eyes of both victims and volunteers with vivid imagery.

This is a romance fraught with obstacles that even includes a bit of suspense drama towards the end. Carolyn and Michael are drawn together during challenging times and I love the gentle pacing of their romance. Carolyn's niece and nephew add some heart-tugging and grin-inducing moments. Particularly loved little Rose Anne's unique grasp of the English language. :-)

This is the first book in Brown's new Green Mountain Blessings and she's created a captivating community filled with tantalizing characters -- including a few I've pegged as deserving of their very own stories. Can't wait to see what's up next -- and who will get their chance at a happily ever after!
Profile Image for Rhonda.
516 reviews21 followers
February 25, 2020
5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating
This book real5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating
This book really tugged at my heart strings. I truly could imagine the great pain and immense strength that Carolyn Weibe possessed. Michael is such a wonderful man, but Carolyn has to protect her niece and nephew at all costs against their father. Will Michael understand ? Will she reveal her secrets and find love?
I highly recommend this book to readers.
I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Love Inspired and all opinions expressed are my own. ly tugged at my heart strings. I truly could imagine the great pain and immense strength that Carolyn Weibe possessed. Michael is such a wonderful man, but Carolyn has to protect her niece and nephew at all costs against their father. Will Michael understand ? Will she reveal her secrets and find love?
I highly recommend this book to readers.
I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Love Inspired and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Heather 123.
954 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2020
Cute and definitely Amish story. I loved how Carolyn struggled with wanting to still be Amish and follow her faith, but knowing she had to give that up to protect her niece/nephew. I'm glad the author took the time to really develop that struggle because it made the character more authentic.

Would have loved to read a little more into the future for this new family.

** ARC received from Netgalley **
Profile Image for Kitty.
192 reviews13 followers
January 8, 2021
I'm not sure if it's just because it was short but it just seemed to all of a sudden BOOM end and that just...doesn't appeal to me. It was certainly an interesting premise, but because of the fact that it's such a short novella style it feels like everything was rushed and not fleshed out correctly. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were longer.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,345 reviews38 followers
January 26, 2020
This is the 1st book I read by Jo Ann Brown. I enjoyed this book's storyline. This book's storyline was heart breaking 💔. I really liked Carolyn's character. My heart broke 💔 for Carolyn. I loved ❤ the niece & nephew. My heart broke 💔 for the niece & nephew. The niece & nephew made me laugh 😂. I really liked Michael's character. I really liked the ending.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,206 reviews
December 20, 2019
When Evergreen Corner is hit by a flash flood the Amish Helping Hands come to help the small Mennonite community clean up. Michael Miller is part of the crew, and he cant help but notice the beautiful young mother and her two children who win his friendship.



Carolyn Weber has been living among the Mennonites for years in order to protect her niece and nephew from their abusive father. It hasn't always been easy to care for her sister's children, and when their home is badly damaged in the storm she doesn't know where to start. She is a talented baker, loves her niece and nephew fiercely, but doesn't know if she could ever trust a man after what happened to her sister. I loved her passion for her faith, and how she teaches the children in her charge what is important to her.



Michael has been hurt in the past by love, but he is a good man who has struggled to find his place in the world, upon meeting Carolyn he feels protective of her and her small family. I loved how he bonded with Kevin, and gave him a strong role model to look up to.



A heartwarming Christmas romance, I loved how the Amish community came together to help the nearby Mennonite community. There were strong themes of faith and family. Enjoyable read.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
December 16, 2019
Who are Michael & Benjamin? Where dow e find them going? How do they know each other? Why are they going? I enjoyed Caroline, Kevin, and most especially Rose-Ann. While their history so far has been fraught with disasters and tragedy, they are very kind. Hearing Carolyn's thoughts as she tries to work thins out could be funny for me at times, but in others I wanted to weep for her. I love the Rose-Annisms that we get throughout the book. I won't explain, you'll have to read to see, but that little girl is SO MUCH FUN! What fear does Carolyn have most of all? Does that fear end up coming true or not in this story? Read and see what happens. It was a sweet read!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,238 reviews490 followers
November 16, 2019
The author gives a story of a young woman who has given up most everything to protect her sister’s children from their abusive father, but will it be enough?
She is surviving when the unthinkable happens and they escape with their lives, losing everything, but help comes.
With the help comes a chance of rebirth, and a new life, but will things stay the same, but different, and will the danger stay away?
The read is a look at how things can change in a second, and we never know, but we also find joy in these darling children.
You need to keep turning the pages here to find out how this one turns out, and my thoughts were spinning!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,399 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2022
There are issues.

First, this is not the first in the series, it's first in a spin-off series that begins with the 'Amish Brides' series and spins off into the 'Amish Spinster Club' series, which spins off into THIS series. So expect to be subjected to a LOT of people who have obvious backstories that you don't know, because you're coming into the THIRD spin-off series. Which is annoying.

Second, Caroline/Cora wasn't Amish, she was living as a Mennonite for almost the entire book... so no white kapp, no plain clothes (her dresses had flower prints). The photo on the front has severe issues.

Third, X-mess was only in the last chapter/epilogue - MOST of it takes place in October/November. It's NOT a X-mess themed book.

Fourth, there's no 'Amish Christmas Promise', either. So... misnomer.

Fifth, nowhere in Scripture does it say Jee-zus was born in a stable. N.O.W.H.E.R.E. And if the inn was so crowded that there was no room (due to people being 1) required to return to their hometown for the census, and 2) it being Sukkot, which is a pilgrimage feast), that means the stable was packed with travel animals, too. There would've been no room in the stable. They did procure a manger, but scripturally speaking, the likelihood was that they were sheltered in a sukkah, *NOT* a stable, based on logic, precedence, timing, and more.

Sixth, NO TRAILER - not even the 42' travel elite trailers - have dual wheels in the front. It doesn't work that way with a drive shaft. Additionally, the "teardrop-shaped" campers are too small to stand up in, let alone have a kitchen, washer/dryer, fold down bunks, and be the 'size of three horse stalls'. NO. If you're talking about a large Airstream (which is rounded, but not tear-shaped), call it an Airstream - it says it RIGHT ON THE SIDE. But please, PLEASE, PLEASE do your research.

Having said (all of that)... this is a very enjoyable story. The kids are charming, the hero is amazing, the story has flow, the 'threat' is actually believable, the whole thing worked for me, as a story. It reminded me a tiny bit of that old movie, "Sunday Afternoon Dinner for a Soldier" - where the children make up words, and live with their much older sister in their derelict 'Grandfeather's' shantyboat. Not the same, but there's the same cuteness and 'making due'-ness about it.

I haven't had good luck with 'Love, Inspireds', lately - most of them have been pure garbage. But this one was definitely a keeper, and made me breathe a sigh of relief. It was worthwhile and enjoyable, in spite of its issues.

Definitely a keeper, and I'll head into the series, further.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews134 followers
January 31, 2020
It takes a lot of courage and a selfless act to do what Carolyn did.I admired her very much. It can't have been easy to leave all you know and love behind but that's exactly what she did.
I loved this sweet Amish tale by Jo Ann Brown. She is a new to me author and I love how she pulls you into the story and before you know it you're finished with the book! Her stories are fabulous!
I also enjoyed learning something new. I had no idea that those types of organizations even existed.
I especially loved how the Amish community pitched in to help the Mennonites after the disaster.
You know, we could learn a lot from them especially when someone is in need. It doesn't hurt to just to give someone an encouraging word or some helping hands along the way. Even a kind word or smile can go a long way.
I really enjoyed meeting Michael. He was a breath of fresh air. I He's a kind hearted soul that was able to offer support to Carolyn when she needed it.
I think God is wonderful in that way. He knows exactly what we need and when he needed it.
This is a wonderful plot with some great characters that you find yourself making friends with.
I highly recommend this sweet little read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harliquin publishers for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Pamela Pavkov.
1,263 reviews24 followers
December 6, 2019
An Amish Christmas Promise is the first amazing book written by Jo Ann Brown in her Green Mountain Blessings series. This story has it all friendship, love, betrayal, devastation, drama, and faith. The characters are very likeable and tell this story with with emotion. There is an element of mystery surrounding Carolyn but the only to notice is Michael Miller.

Carolyn is on the run from her extremely abusive brother in law. She has changed everything in her life to protect her niece and nephew. Now dealing with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Kevin she is homeless. Michael, an Amish man, arrives with a crew to help rebuild the town and the first person he meets is Carolyn. He is drawn to her but he feels there is more to her than she is telling. As their journey plays out her secret is revealed and Michael feels betrayed. This is an amazing story for so many reasons and the author has done an incredible job telling it.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for the wonderful story that it is.

Congratulations to Jo Ann Brown for writing a truly inspiring and entertaining story for her readers enjoyment.
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
673 reviews18 followers
November 15, 2022
Sweet Story

Carolyn Wiebe has sacrificed everything for the safety of her niece and nephew, which included moving to a new community and giving up her Amish roots. Now she is dealing with having lost everything to a hurricane and having to start all over. Through it all, Carolyn always maintains a strong faith and a strong positive and caring attitude.

Michael Miller has come to help rebuild the hurricane affected area, and he is assigned to help rebuild Carolyn's house. The two begin a friendship that begins to develop into something deeper. As secrets embedded in intrigue cause some bumps in their relationship, Carolyn and Michael have to dig deep into their faith and trust in God to get them through. This wonderful combination made this sweet story one that will stay with me for a long time.

Book Quotes:

God, I trust You know where I should be. Help me see.

Oh, ye of little faith, trust in the Lord with all your heart.

God put you in the right place at the right time.
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
November 22, 2019
I enjoyed this story. Carolyn is a woman trying to protect children she loves. They lost their home and belongings in a flood. Michael comes to help rebuild the community. Carolyn was Amish but is pretending to be Mennonite for safety. Michael is an Amish man, not yet baptized, who is questioning his faith. Neither is looking for love.
I loved Carolyn and the way she cares for Kevin and Rose Anne. It touched me how she was doing the best she could to raise the children as her own. I like that the author brought out how Carolyn rationalized things in her mind and heart. I like Michael a lot. I enjoyed watching him develop a relationship with the children as well as with Carolyn. They both though are hiding parts of their background that affect their lives. Will they be able to move forward? It was a very touching story.
I received an ebook copy of this title through NetGalley for review consideration. I voluntarily chose to review it. All thoughts are mine.
Profile Image for Dorothy Minor.
829 reviews17 followers
February 1, 2020
I had never read an Amish story, so I was interested in An Amish Christmas Promise by Jo Ann Brown when it became available on NetGalley. Brown writes An Amish Christmas Promise as the first in her Green Mountain Blessings series.
Carolyn Wiebe leaves her Amish home because she realizes she needs to protect her niece and nephew from their abusive father. Complications arise when a hurricane destroys her home. In rebuilding the home, she meets Michael Miller, a carpenter.
Readers can see the sparks developing between Carolyn and Michael. However, Carolyn must do all she can to protect her niece and nephew. Too, Michael has suffered a broken heart, so he is wary of other relationships.
Carolyn’s strong faith gives her courage in all aspects of her life. The story radiates kindness, belief in God, and the need to help others.
32 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2020
Out of tragedy comes true love. You see the instant spark between Carolyn and Michael as soon as he steps of the bus. There is a lot of respect and admiration between the two of them throughout the story. You can’t stop hoping she will tell him her secret before it’s too late.
48 reviews
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December 12, 2023
Excellent story about an amish turned menonite gal hiding her children from her late husbands family when a hurrcaine destroys her home and an amish carpenter comes to rebuild it and they ultimately find love with each other
Profile Image for Tambra.
879 reviews7 followers
December 11, 2019
Great book could not put it down, read it in a few hours. Great story.
Profile Image for Shawnee.
565 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2020
Chickens! With names!
Danger, natural disaster, and did I mention the chickens have names?
428 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2020
I've read other books by Jo Ann Brown & enjoyed them, & this was no exception. If you're an Amish fiction fan, you will most likely enjoy this tale.
Profile Image for Gaylina.
320 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2021
I liked the way this story tied in with others Jo Ann wrote. It had some of the same characters as the Amish Spinster series in Harmony Creek Hollow, NY. It had a lot of drama.
Profile Image for Karen Mcnicol.
701 reviews21 followers
February 9, 2022
I loved this book, you can never go wrong with Jo Ann Brown, her books will give you nothing but happy warm feelings.
Profile Image for Teri Pre.
1,960 reviews34 followers
December 14, 2022
Ms. Brown never met a cliche she didn't embrace or a simile that she didn't hold on to with all her might and main.
Profile Image for Faith.n.clean.books .
78 reviews
November 18, 2023
It was a heavier book than I realized with some triggers of surviving a natural disaster, violence and kidnapping. But woven in is a sweet romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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