An Amish Picnic: Four Stories

by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four sweet stories about picnics and romance.

Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston

Kevin Weaver has lived with his brother’s family since his parents passed away when he was young, but he craves a home and family to call his own. Freeman Kurtz owns a successful brick mason business, and Kevin takes the job as Freeman’s apprentice to pursue his own financial freedom. 

Phoebe Kurtz is helping her sister with her booth at the marketplace when she notices Kevin, her father’s employee. Their friendship grows, but Kevin is convinced that the difference in their ages makes a relationship between them impossible. Amidst summer outings, Kevin and Phoebe must decide if taking a chance on love is worth the risk.

Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin

Esther Marie Shrock loves her job at Valley Grocery Store where she’s worked for four years. Despite a stutter that has plagued her since childhood, she thrives filling orders from a steady stream of customers. Still, at 25, she and her family wonder if romance is in her future.

Jasper Cotter isn’t good with people, but he’s found himself obligated to take over day-to-day operations of the family owned grocery store—a store he doesn’t have the first clue how to run. Thrown together, Esther Marie and Jasper don’t exactly see eye to eye. One night, the store loses power, and the candles aren’t the only things shooting off sparks. Esther Marie and Jasper are suddenly forced to discover common ground when it matters most, and they might be surprised with love along the way.

Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller

Nina Stoll and Ira Yoder are just friends. Just friends and fishing buddies. Every Saturday afternoon, they have a picnic at their favorite fishing hole and see who can out fish the other. Until Nina starts to wonder if there’s more.

Her plans to share her feelings go awry, and circumstances seem destined to keep Nina and Ira apart. With both Nina and Ira confused and hurting, it’s going to take courage, some help from the community matchmakers, and a little bit of divine intervention for Nina and Ira to realize they’re each other's perfect catch.

Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman

Faith Troyer is claustrophobic, and David Lapp builds tiny houses. They went on a date years ago with disastrous results. Now that they’re in their late twenties, their families and friends are beginning to wonder if either will ever find that special someone. When a picnic outing is diverted by the discovery of a package of letters dating back to the 1970s, they take it upon themselves to find answers to a mystery that causes them to rethink their past and consider their future.  

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Adult

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2020

About the author

Hi! 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)

Reviews

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some authors are just called to write Amish fiction and when you put them all in one book you get a gut book. Look up the word Gut if you are not an Amish fiction reader.
I was done with these four novellas before I knew it.
Candlelight Sweethearts was such a great read. I am such a sucker for a gut romance. Reeling in Love, can you guess what this novella was about?
I must say Baskets of Sunshine was a refreshing read.
I just want to say if you have not read any Amish fiction books before reading this review leave a comment below one blog follower who leaves a comment will win a copy of this book.
4 stars and I am so happy to share it with one or two of you great followers.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who's ready for warmer weather and picnics? I am for sure.
This book has a very lovely cover and features 4 best selling Amish fiction authors writing stories about romance and picnics.
I've read books by all of these authors and some of the characters in the novellas are from the author's other books so it's wonderful to catch up with them in these stories.
Love isn't always easy, it was fun to see how the romances started and sometimes I wondered if the romance would even take off at all.
All the stories have a picnic in them somewhere and I really enjoyed the summer setting of each story.
The book was so much fun to read and now makes me look forward to enjoying some potato salad and sandwiches soon at a lovely picnic.
This book was a lot of fun to read and I highly recommend it!

Published March 3rd 2020 by Zondervan.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sherry Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is made up of four novellas by favorite authors, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller and Vannetta Chapman.

Each book’s main characters are seeking their life mate, but feel that challenges in their lives may never allow them to achieve their dreams of life as an Amish husband/wife, and parent. Each have been friends for many years, and we get to share with them as they spend time together, in work, in outings of fishing and adventurous picnics.

Each book is every delightful and very easy and fast reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish romances

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish Picnic by Amy Clipston, Vannetta Chapman, Kelly Irvin and Kathleen Fuller contains four heartwarming tales. The four stories are Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston, Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin, Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller, and Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman. The picnic theme is carried out through each sweet story. I like how the author’s tied romance and picnics together. We get to see a man and woman who are attracted to each other, but there is something standing in the way of them getting together. Fears, misconceptions and miscommunication abound in each delightful Amish tale. I enjoyed reading novella collections because it is an opportunity to sample each author’s work and a story from each of their series. While the novellas may be part of a series, each can be read on their own. I liked that Christiana’s sister, Phoebe from The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston got her own story. We get to catch up with Christiana and the rest of the Kurtz family as well. Baskets of Sunshine was a cute story that shows you that it takes time to truly get to know a person. In Picnics and Prospects there is an Amish tiny home builder which I thought was unique. Faith and David find a packet of letters from the 1970s along with a puppy. They set out to solve the mystery of the letters. I like it when Amish stories have mysteries in them. It adds another level of depth to this romantic novella. Candlelight Sweethearts features Esther Marie who suffers from a severe stutter. We get to see how people treat her and the comments they make. There is one person, though, to whom it does not matter. Reeling in Love shows that friendship can develop into something more. It is an appealing, humorous story. An Amish Picnic has four Amish love stories that share a common theme but reflect each author’s writing style. An Amish Picnic contains four charming novellas that feature sunshine, warm weather, good food, fun and couples falling in love.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I was a super speed reader but unfortunately I"m not. I"m one of the ones who has to take time to absorb each story in this book.
I like to enjoy each couple and see what happens as they become husband and wife so to speak.
I really enjoyed these stories very much.
All of these are my favorite authors and I very much love their writing style. I love seeing them coming together and reading about each family and what they have to offer.
Each story has something special to offer in their messages of Grace, love, or whatever the case may be.
There's a little something in here for everyone.
If you love these author's then you'll love these stories. I"m so glad for authors like these. To be able to write stories such as these and make them believable it is truly a gift from God! I"m so thankful for each of them.
I used to not like novellas combined into one book like this but as time went on well, they sort of stuck. Now, I can't resist them.
I don't really want to review each story in the book because I don't want to give away too much but each one is about the outdoors.
I used to go fishing with my grandpa all the time. I did it because I enjoyed his company. I called it "our time." I caught a snake one time. When I seen it I threw the fishing pole down and ran screaming to my grandpa. Of course he made me go back and pick it up. I made him go with me in case the snake was still there. It was. Luckily it wasn't poisonous. After that, I didn't go fishing much anymore.
Not really being fond of eating outdoors because of flies and every other insect that comes around the food isn't my idea of fun. But, it's also a grand time to relax and enjoy your family.
But other than those obstacles, I enjoy the outdoors. I love to go hiking with my family. I enjoy being close to the Lord. We really have some great conversations.
Overall, I loved this book because it's one of my favorite genres with some great stories.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Picnic
By: Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller, & Vannetta Chapman
Baskets of Sunshine, by Amy Clipston
Candlelight Sweethearts, by Kelly Irvin
Reeling In Love, by Kathleen Fuller
Picnics and Prospects, by Vannetta Chapman
An Amish Picnic is made up of four different novellas by four wonderful authors in the Amish Genre. These novellas are all about picnics and romance. I love the way the authors ties the picnics and romance together. Each one of these novellas is about a couple who has some difficulties trying to get together. I really enjoyed this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and an author. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, four different stories by four different authors, all revolving around a picnic or two.
We find there are a lot of places to have a picnic and some of them are disasters and. other turn out wonderful, or at least they are able to get the attention of the person they want to notice them.
The picnics tie these stories together, but each author has different people involved, and some them are old friends from previous books that I’ve read.
I love when I have novellas to read, sometimes just a few minutes and I’ll read one, but all two quickly this book disappeared and the last page was turned.
I received this book through Net Galley and the. Publisher Zondervan, and was no required to give a positive review.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love these novella collections! I love being able to sample different authors and read more from favorites. My favorite novella in this one was Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston. It was great to catch up with some favorite characters from her other books. I’m looking forward to reading more from each of these authors!



I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish Picnic is a nice collection of novellas that stand alone from each other. Each story has a picnic that occurs somewhere within its pages. The stories are connected with other novels written by the four authors, yet can easily be read as stand alone novellas even if you have not read any of the other books, making them a great way to try out a new to you author of Amish fiction. I enjoyed all four novellas.

In Baskets of Sunshine, I was happy to read Phoebe’s story. Phoebe was introduced as a secondary character in The Bake Shop. She certainly had a rocky start to her relationship with Kevin in this novella.

In Candlelight Sweethearts, the reader meets two characters who are not your typical hero and heroine in a story. Esther suffers from a bad stutter and Jasper is described as round, with hair that is beginning to bald. The author did a good job of connecting the reader to the emotions of these two characters, yet the mention of sweaty armpits a few times bothered me!

In Reeling in Love, the heroine struggles with her weight, being seen as a tomboy, and falling in love with her best friend. I thought the author captured the heartache that Nina experienced beautifully in the first picnic scene and built a sweet romance from there.

In Picnics and Prospects, I enjoyed the peek into the past that David and Faith took when they discovered a box of old letters. It was nice to see David begin to understand the emotions and fear that Faith experienced during panic attacks. He showed how kind he was as he worked to help her during these situations.

This was a nice collection that I recommend to fans of Amish fiction.

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

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Susan Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooray! Just in time for spring. What better way to get into the season than with four novellas by four beloved authors of Amish fiction.

I was so happy to catch up with Esther Marie Shrock from Kelly Irvin's novel A Long Bridge Home. Esther Marie works at Valley Grocery Store in St. Ignatius, MO. Though sometimes embarrassed by her stuttering, she loves her job and is good at it. When the store owner is hospitalized, his son Jasper assumes the helm even though he would rather be working on the family farm. Jasper and Esther Marie don't always agree on store matters, but each harbors an attraction to the other. The problem is that they need to overcome their reticence. Will a sudden storm that forces them to stay at the store help them over their hurdles?

In Vannetta Chapman's Picnics and Prospects, Faith Troyer's and David Lapp's one date several years ago turned out to be an embarrassing disaster. Now, while chaperoning a young people's outing, they discover a packet of letters written during the 1970s. Intrigued, they work together to find the couple who exchanged those sweet letters. Had they married and lived happily ever after? While delving into other people's past, can they correct the mistakes from their past and plan a future?

What is a girl to do when the fellow who has been her best friend for the past two years suddenly becomes more than her fishing buddy--in her heart, at least? Nina Stoll and Ira Yoder in Kathleen Fuller's Reeling in Love fish together every Saturday. They enjoy the break from routine and are comfortable in each other's presence. So what happened to change their feelings, and will they be able to overcome the obstacles and "catch" each other's heart?

Can falling for the boss' daughter ever be a good thing? In Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston, Kevin Weaver wants to make his own way and stop relying on his brother. He becomes an apprentice to Freeman Kurtz to learn a new trade and gain financial independence so he can one day marry and have a family. His plans didn't include meeting Phoebe Kurtz. But Phoebe has been so sweet and kind. Feelings of friendship expand. Should they chance a relationship or will the risks be too great?

An Amish Picnic is a collection of four wonderful stories by four wonderful authors. Each story will tug at your heartstrings, bring a tear to your eye, and a smile to your lips. Curl up on you porch swing and enjoy!

[Mayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The players are young Amish men and women, the theme is romance, the conflict is lack of communication and understanding, and the constant thread is picnics. All of these novellas share these common factors, yet each is different in its execution and treatment. The characters are sometimes smart and sometimes not so smart, some have afflictions and some don’t, and some are outspoken and some are shy. But all desire romance, even if some don’t realize it! The stories are nice, but being shorter than novels, some development of characters and plots are sacrificed for the shorter novella form. The stories are all sweet, and will likely inspire your own picnic plans.

[BlueFalkon95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the Four short stories about Amish couples bonding together while attending picnics all in one book. Combing of four authors gives readers an opportunity to read the stories and have an understanding of the different writing styles about the Amish relationships with each other and God.
Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston. The story about Kevin and Phoebe a age difference of a couple of years which is his barrier in forming a relationship. It is a great story that demonstrates that the age difference between them does not matter.
Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin. Esther Marie likes Jasper but a stutter is a small setback for her. All they need is a push in the right direction and learn the subtle hints they are showing each other that they are interested but unsure on how to say that they like each other. This story shows that having a speech impediment can make an impact on a person and just needs a little faith and encouragement to improve.
Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller. Judah has been hurt in the past and does not want to be hurt again. Ira is in love with Judah and is scared to let Judah know on how she feels. With the help of others and issues occurring at planned picnics makes them both wary. This story demonstrates that it takes a special person to help with fears of being hurt.
Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman. David and Faith is brought together to find clues on finding who wrote some old letters and if they can find the owners of the lost letters.
My review is posted on Amazon.com.au, Christianbook.com, goodreads, Barnes and Noble, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks. Run date of 25 February 2020 the review will be posted/published at. A link to my review is also on my Facebook blog page, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95...
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#AnAmishPicnic #NetGalley

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an impressive group of novellas that leave you feeling content. Each one is a stand alone but has the common thread of a picnic and blossoms of love. This book gave me that warm fuzzy feeling like spending the day with a good friend. Each author has there own style of bringing life to their characters and drawing you into their lives. Each story contains an obstacle that has to be dealt with. I would review each individually but it would be to easy to spoil them for other readers. Therefore I will just say pick it up and enjoy being swept away to summertime with volleyball, swimming, and picnics. I recommend this even if if you aren’t a fan of Amish fiction as it is a compilation of top notch authors.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four short stories by four of the best authors in Amish fiction? What's not to love here?? An Amish Picnic focuses on four couples, and each romance is furthered in some way by a picnic.

Amy Clipston starts things off with her "Baskets of Sunshine". Kevin Weaver has been living with his brother and his family but longs for a house of his own. When his boss' daughter, Phoebe Kurtz, invites him to join other young people for an outing, he feels out of his depth, and sees the group's hijinks as immaturity. Can Phoebe make him see that maturity doesn't mean not having fun?

Kelly Irvin is up next with "Candlelight Sweethearts". Esther Marie Shrock has tried everything to lose her stutter but nothing seems to work. The one thing she does well is fill orders at the local grocery store. When her boss has a heart attack leaving his son, Jasper to run things, she isn't sure about being able to work with him. Jasper is a farmer, not a businessman. He hates feeling so inept, but he especially doesn't like looking bad in front of Esther Marie. Can these two see that maybe their future is together, even though they both have been overlooked by others?

Kathleen Fuller brings "Reeling In Love", a short story tied to her 'Amish Brides of Birch Creek' series. When Nina Stoll has the startling revelation that she is in love with her best friend and fishing buddy, Ira Yoder, she's not sure how to behave anymore. When her sister-in-law and pushy grandmother get involved, comedy ensues, as does eventual heartbreak. Will Ira ever realize that what he feels for Nina could be so much more?

Vannetta Chapman rounds out the book with her "Picnics and Prospects". David Lapp builds cabinets and tiny houses. Proud of his work, he tries to show one of his houses to Faith Troyer, only to have her collapse in terror. Her claustrophobia kicks in to embarrass her once again in David's presence. He never understood years ago when their date to the carnival ended with her curled up in terror in the hall of mirrors. In fact, he laughed which is the most hurtful thing he could have done. Can David redeem himself in Faith's eyes and show her that he is worth risking her heart?

I loved so many things about these stories. Each features a couple that has somehow been 'left on the shelf'. Either their appearance, or an impairment, or simply their past experiences have always gotten in the way of romance. I loved that each of these imperfect people found their own perfect someone.

If you love Amish Romance, you will love this compilation. I read it in a day. Each story can be read in a few hours. I definitely recommend!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's almost picnic weather where I am, and it is making hungry for picnic foods, especially since I read this collection of novellas where love finds its home through picnics. Each of these authors is known for her Amish fiction and reading these stories is like becoming reacquainted with old friends.

All of the stories have characters from series the authors have already published, and it made the novellas feel like chatting with old friends.

One thing I'd like to see from these particular authors is that they collaborate on a series together, using the same characters throughout. With the pooled talent of these four, especially, it would make an Amish novel beyond any reader's expectations.

This is a five star collection, with two thumbs up, and a picnic basket full of fried chicken.

Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley.com provided the galley for me to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 4 stories in this book from 4 different authors.They all involve romance and a picnic.They were all very good but the most touching was the one by Vannetta Chapman as it goes back to 1970 when the Viet Nam war was going on.I was in high school and my brother and several boys I knew were over there fighting.A very heartwarming story!

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

These novella collections are always so enjoyable, and this one is no exception. The authors are four of the best in Amish fiction. The stories are not connected, but they work well together. Picnics do tie the stories together. Each story contains characters who are flawed, so they're very relatable ... even to "Englischers." :) I really enjoyed the fact that each story contained characters with a physical or mental issue. If you're looking for a quick, sweet read, this is a book to add to your TBR pile.

While each novella is charming, my two favorites were: "Baskets of Sunshine" by Amy Clipston and "Reeling in Love" by Kathleen Fuller (which reminded me of fishing with my grandpa). It's the perfect collection to help the reader focus on the upcoming spring and summer weather.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

All great authors and stories !

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish Picnic! Just imagine all the fantastic food!
Well and the people too.
All of my favorite authors in one fantastic book with four short stories/novellas:

Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston: Despite a significant difference in age Phoebe wants to know more about her father's employee, Kevin. He seems like such a great guy.

Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin: This is a fun story about Esther and Jasper. Lots of thunder and lightning.

Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller: Nina and Ira are fishing buddies but even fishing buddies need the help of match makers for love to bloom.

Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman: This is an interesting short story about Faith and David. They build tiny houses and when they find a packet of letters from the 70's they take time to restructure.

All of the stories are fantastic!

*This book was provided for Influencers of Vannetta Chapman*

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved each and every story and I love all the character's in each story! I loved the cover and the title fit's it! I received the book from Netgalley! I can not wait to here more from each author!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like visiting summer to read this book this past week, and thank goodness, because it's cold and wintry in my world right now. Four stories, four authors and four very different scenarios in this collection make it a fun read for those times when you have to read in bits and pieces or just want something light and entertaining.
I was given this book by the editor in exchange for an honest review. I do recommend this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories by 4 great authors. Something for everyone. Highly recommend

[Debbie O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am Amish Picnic is an amzing book. I love how all 4 authors continued the stories of some of my favorite characters. Cant pick a favorite because all of the stories were equally exciting and well written. I suggest you all buy a copy and read it for yourself.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet! I love the quick stories of love and simple living. One of my takeaways from this particular book is that because of four separate authors, I was able to read four separate writing styles. I was familiar with two of the authors, but two of them I had never read their work. Now I know, I will also begin reading their stories as well! I definitely recommend this sweet book to anyone who loves reading Amish fiction.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am Amish Picnic gives four novellas which bring together picnics and romance. Each story tells the story of a couple who face difficulties getting together. However what is better than a picnic to bring out the feelings. I love how the characters come together. Each author developed their characters and storylines so that this reader kept turning the page to see what would happen next. I found some old friends as well as some new in these stories. I look forward to more from them. I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four well known authors of Amish romances, each with her own novella, all packed into one book - what's not to like? I admired the way each story developed quickly, pulling me into the lives of the characters. I prefer full length novels, but this was great to read on a recent plane trip.

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four well written Amish novellas. I enjoyed each selection. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprised of four love stories from four well-known authors, “An Amish Picnic” makes for a charming book perfect for spring, summer, or any time you want to pack a novel in your basket and escape for a while. Each story contains discussion questions for group or individual reflection, and there is a very helpful glossary at the beginning of the book, which is something I’ve often wished for when reading Amish fiction. I did not realize, as the note at the end of this reference states, that the Amish people’s German dialect is not a written language, and this piqued my curiosity. It’s something that I never thought about before, and as a lover of languages, I find this fascinating.

The four different romantic journeys featured in this collection are refreshingly distinct and un-formulaic. Despite being under 100 pages each, they manage to be satisfyingly complete, which is a rarity for short stories and is the reason I typically tend to avoid them. Of the four, I particularly enjoyed three because of each one’s premise, which held elements besides romance. Amy Clipston’s “Baskets of Sunshine” for instance, deals with pursuing one’s dreams and trusting God to help accomplish them even in the face of possibly losing one’s job or, more critically, one’s heart.

“Candlelight Sweethearts” by Kelly Irvin is one of the more unique Amish stories I’ve read, as it features two characters with limitations. Esther has a very noticeable speech impediment, which causes her to stand out when she would rather carry on her work without people’s pity and frustration. Jasper, the owner’s son, winds up running the store where he and Esther both work, and through challenging circumstances they learn teamwork and the value of coming together when it’s always been easier to be alone.

“Picnic and Prospects” is, I think, my favorite of the four stories. Vannetta Chapman writes a tale of light mystery in which one of the main characters suffers from claustrophobia. I loved the inclusion of the puppy, as well as the dated letters and how they played a role in the main couple’s rekindled relationship.

All-in-all, I enjoyed these four stories. “Reeling in Love” is, admittedly, my least favorite, not because of any deficiency on the part of author Kathleen Fuller but rather because the subject matter did not appeal to me. I have never been fishing, and the strained and problem-ridden romance trope does not interest me personally. Nevertheless, I did have fun reading each of these stories. They are ideal for springtime and each contain subtle lessons in trusting God and demonstrating our love for one another.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella collection a lot. I loved seeing how every author writes their story different. My favorite about of the whole collection was Reeling in Love, because best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and that was presented in this story. I honestly wish some of the stories were longer, because a lot had to happen in 100 pages so it went by a little too bit quickly at times for my liking, but I still highly enjoyed reading every story.

I just love reading Amish stories and seeing their way of life. Though I personally could never be Amish, I appreciate their way of life. I loved the romance in all these novels and the mystery that we got to tag along on in Picnics and Prospects. I cannot wait to read what these amazing authors have in store for us next!

*I received this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.*

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston.

You'd have no option than to laugh when you read about how Kelvin and Pheebs as her best friend calls assumed a lot of things about their relationship or lack of it. I loved when they got to really talk about how they felt for each other and made a headway.


Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin.

Grumpy Jasper and sweet Esther Marie.
What a funny combination.
I loved reading about her patience with him even though he was so unlikable. I loved that he stood up for her.
Their love story was beautiful.


Reeling in love by Kathleen Fuller.

Ira and Nina's story will make you smile so much that your cheeks will hurt.
Love everywhere, beautiful and enduring.


Pinics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman.

I totally enjoyed this beautiful story of second chance at love for the wonderful couples in this book. The author skillfully crafted a heartwarming story.


I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.