THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH &; When the foster parents they&;ve cautiously grown to love discover they&;re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they&;ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own &; and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . .
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
This is an Amish Christmas story. This book as three short stories in it. The first short story is The Christmas Not-Wish. I have to say the beginning of the story makes you feel you where just dumped into the middle of the story, and the ending leaves a lot up in the air. I just wish for more. The next story in the book was my favorite one, and it is called New Beginnings. I loved the characters, and I felt for a short story it was very developed. The three story was just ok. I do love that all the stories has twins in them because I have twin boys. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J Good, and Loree Lough) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
There was something special that I loved about each of the three stories.
The first story was about Jemima and Roy. Two little ones who had been in the foster care system and had seen some hard times there. This story really touched my heart.
The next story was about Luke and Elizabeth. I really enjoyed how their characters developed.
The last story was about Jube and Abigail but my favorite part was how Jube worked with the 2 sets of twins that were causing trouble.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
Three sweet Amish stories to keep you captivated and page turning! We are back with the 8 with Shelley Shepard Gray, and I have enjoyed all of the books surrounding this group, and this one is excellent. I could just feel the pain of those orphans, and now they are where God wants them to be, but it is hard for them! The book by Rachel J Good really pulls on your heart, and you wonder how it can come to a happy ending, wow! I can't even imagine cleaning out that bedroom! The story by Loree Lough almost made my heart stop right in the beginning, word pictures made me feel like I was a spectator and watching these young boys, a time when they needed a firm hand. I enjoyed how these teens were dealt with by their parents and the outcome. This one will have you looking for answers, and there are surprises I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kennsington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Three excellent authors are brought together with a singular theme--twins in Amish families. Three novellas each deal with the chaos that twins bring to families and the joys that twins also bring.
In one of the novellas, a young couple has taken in two siblings who have been orphaned in a tragic accident. Jemima and Roy are in their sixth foster home, and unwilling to stay where they feel they are not wanted. The Kurtz's are the best foster parents they've had, but they are expecting a baby themselves and Jemima believes she and Roy will be placed with another foster family, especially when the Kurtz's find out they are having twins.
In the second novella, Elizabeth Yoder is widowed, having lost her husband and baby in an accident. Her next door neighbor, Luke, has always loved Elizabeth, and he wants to show her how much he does love her. He happens to be in the right place at the right time to save her from a car skidding on the ice. Elizabeth manages to only have a broken leg from that incident, but Luke does all he can to help her out. When she finally cleans out the nursery, she donates the baby things to an unwed mothers' shelter. One of the mothers brings her twins to Elizabeth's door step, asking her and Luke to adopt them.
In the third, two sets of twins,who are also cousins, create havoc on a neighbor's dairy farm. As their punishment, they are required to help out at the dairy until the losses incurred by their reckless behavior is recouped. They also have to find a way to fulfill a need for someone before Christmas.
These novellas are quite enjoyable, but can tend to drag in places. The authors are great at writing Amish fiction, but they didn't quite hit the mark in these novellas. The novellas will fill a languid afternoon, and therefore garner four stars.
Kensington Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Twins Times Two by Loree Lough has Jubal getting injured after the double trouble twins goad his bull. As punishment, the four boys must help Jubal with the chores around his dairy farm while he is recovering. They must also find a member of the community that is in need and take action by Christmas Eve. Abigail has been a widow for three years and regrets the words she said to Jubal on the night of the accident. It seems everyone in the community is aware of how Jubal and Abigail feel for each other. Maybe they just need a little help which four boys are happy to provide.
Amish Christmas Twins contains three heartwarming Amish Christmas stories with the theme of twins. I found the tales to be well-written and engaging. The Christmas Not-Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray is part of The Walnut Creek Series. Fans of the series will be delighted with charming novella. We get to see E.A. and Will Kurtz get their dream of children and in a way they never expected. New Beginning is a touching story. I could feel the pain that Elizabeth is experiencing. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Christmas items at the shop as well as the beautiful Nativity sets that Luke carved. Twins Times Two is a humorous story with two sets of twin boys from twin mothers. The boys are more mischievous than their mothers ever were (and people thought it was not possible). I enjoyed the faith messages in each story especially that we must let go and trust God. I know that it something that I struggle with each day. Christmas is a time for miracles, and we get to see one in each sweet novella. The stories in Amish Christmas Twins will get you in the mood for the holiday season.
Amish Christmas Twins was such a great collection of stories to read! These novellas definitely put me in the mood for a warm and cozy Christmas! Each story, in some way, had twins as a part of the plot. I enjoyed that every novella incorporated this theme in an original way.
In The Christmas-Not Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray, my heart hurt for what the foster children had been through over the past few years. But it was a joy to see as things turned around for them.
In New Beginnings by Rachel J. Good, I felt heartbroken for all that Elizabeth had lost. I knew that Luke was also heartsick. I felt so much for these two characters! There were so many emotional moments in this story.
In Twins Times Two by Loree Lough, I really felt as if I was on the farm with Jube and the boys. He and Abigail had a lot to work through and I could feel the tension between them as they faced the past and all that had happened a few years earlier.
I would definitely recommend this collection to fans of Amish fiction. It is packed with emotion and each story was enjoyable to read.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Amish Christmas Twins contains three novellas featuring twins who can be double the trouble and double the love. Keep the tissue box handy as each story will pull at your heartstrings. Christmas is a time of miracles and that could not be more evident for the three Amish families in these stories where faith and hope are hallmarks. This trio of authors have written timeless stories that will especially resonate during the Christmas season. Do not miss it! I was given a copy a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions are my own.
This is a wonderful collection of three short stories. I enjoyed reading each one. The first is about foster parents who want to adopt two small children who lost their parents. The kids have been in previous foster placements that were not happy. They want to be adopted. But when the Kurtz’ find out they are expecting twins at Christmas, the children start to wonder if they will be sent to another foster home after the twins are born. The second one is about a widow who has just lost her child and her neighbor who is starting to fall in love with her. She is still broken up over losing the baby but she decides to start healing by donating her baby’s things to a home for teen moms. One of the teen moms is pregnant with twins . . . And the third one is about a couple of sets of twins boys that are cousins and are at that age when they are getting into mischief. A couple of neighbors team up with the two sets of parents to help the boys learn responsibility after an accident caused by their mischief.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading these stories and wish there were more. Highly recommended!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This is a series of short stories which all deal with Christmas, loss, Amish parents and sets of twins. All of the stories are relatable and share values of loss, love and overcoming adversity. The first story was my favorite and that could possibly be because Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite authors. I have read several of her books previously and they are all wonderful books. The authors of the other two stories were both new to me and while the stories were good, they didn't resonate as much.
Thank you to the publisher, Kensington Books & Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Amish Christmas Twins is a 3 in 1 book. I love books that give more then 1 story! I always feel like I'm getting a deal! Shelley Shephard Gray, Rachel J, Good and Loree Lough all have different writing styles which makes the book that much more interesting. The 1st book by Shelley Shephard, The Christmas Not-Wish, is a heart warming book about a couple (who thinks they can't have their own children) fostering 2 siblings near Christmas time. A surprise for the couple (which I won't ruin) ends up throwing a wrench in the works. The oldest girl overhears parts of a conversation between the couple and tries running away with her brother. Thankfully they are caught before they leave the house! This is a heartwarming story about wonderful people who take in children most people don't want because they aren't babies. I love these stories because it almost always ends up favorable for the children and that's what is most important! Plus it being a Christmas story a little bit of Christmas magic gets thrown in turning it into even more of a feel good story. The next story New Beginnings by Rachel J. Good has to be my favorite of the 3. A woman who has lost her husband at a very young age, and we find out a baby as well, struggles working in a Christmas store at Christmas time. After an almost fatal accident, she gets to spend time with a young man who is her original true love. Sparks fly between the 2, they are able to become close and admit some things they've kept bottled up for a very long time. A other feel good story with a very surprising ending that makes you feel the miracles of Christmas that happen all around us! The last book, more of a novella, is Twins Times Two by Lorre Lough. The Double Trouble twins start off the book by getting into quite a bit of trouble, as well as causing trouble for 2 adults that have sort of a love/hate/love relationship. The punishment for the Double Trouble Twins is to help Jube, the man who got hurt in the beginning, and by helping someone in need by Christmas Eve. The 4 Double Trouble boys end up doing a lot more then was expected of them, they bring people together and end up turning into fine young Amish men in the process. A very good book, cute, and heart warming. The miracles of Christmas that bring us together are evident in all 3 books, as well as the true reason for the season!
Amish Christmas Twins is an amazing book written by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, and Lorre Lough. Each author has written a fascinating story revolving around twins and Christmas. Each author has done an exceptional job developing their characters and stories. I enjoyed all three stories for different reasons.
Shelley Shepard Gray's story The Christmas Not Wish takes the reader back to the famous group of 8 friends. Will and E.A. Kurtz have been going thru the steps to become foster parents and just as they receive their first brother and sister to care for they learn they are expecting a set of twins. This story shows the ups and downs of fostering but also bringing a family together. This is such an emotional story filled with love, hope, and family.
Rachel J. Good has written a truly wonderful story involving loss not only of her husband but a baby as well. When events lead to Elizabeth Yoder and Luke Bontrager to be constantly thrown together a deeper friendship developes and a very unexpected turn of events brings their hidden feelings to light. Forgiveness and love of faith plays a very big part of this story.
Twins Times Two is a wonderful story written by Lorre Lough. I enjoyed this story for many reasons. The two sets of 13 year old boys have been dubbed trouble makers but have taken things to far this time. What the twins have to do to make things right is a wonderful story of forgiveness, family, and surprises.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review by author Shelley Shepard Gray. I was not requested to post a favorable response. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful book that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to all Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, and Lorre Lough on writing such amazing stories not only about twins but the Christmas season as well.
What a sweet set of stories to get you in the mood for the Christmas Season! And adding babies to the mix, well who doesn't love a baby in a story, and two for that matter! These stories just pulled at my heartstrings! Oh my goodness. What I enjoyed most was that it wasn't just romance stories. It was about family, and working through trials and heartache, and so much more.
I can't really decide which story was my favorite. Honestly, I loved them all. These three authors did such a fantastic job of writing stories that went so well together. That can be hard to do! The ultimate message here is that family is not necessarily blood. And God allows things to happen at certain times in our lives for a reason. I do hope you'll read this and allow these stories to speak to your heart. You will be glad you did!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Amish Christmas Twins is not just one story but it is three short stories about Amish families. So you get three heartwarming stories in one book! Each story will touch you in different ways....each story will touch your heart. I enjoyed reading these stories of hope, family, overcoming loss and holding onto your beliefs no matter what happens. Sometimes reading a well written, wholesome book is needed and these stories certainly filled this need for me.
Well written 3 Amish Christmas short stories by 3 different authors using a singular theme -"Twins" - Each story was interesting and heart-warming - fast & interesting Christmas read!
Amish Christmas Twins By: Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, & Loree Lough Three wonderful and heartwarming short stories about three Amish families by three different authors. These stories involves twins and the hurt , trials, challenges they go through. Each story touched my heart. At times there was tears in my eyes, other times joy. I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is such a perfect trio to welcome in the holiday season! These three tales are loaded with second chance romances and deeply rooted issues that are laid to rest. If you love the allure of the Amish and adore sweet and clean romances, then you're sure to love this collection! It shows the fault of pride and that some love never dies. I loved that the focal point was the reason for the season. Love comes in all seasons and there is always hope after a loss. This reinforces the value of faith and God's love.
this is a good story about 2nd chances and children who need them. can children find there forever home or will they have to move ? if you like a book about what the children and parents go through you will want to read the book, i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review.
Each story in this book touches the heart. From tragic loss to new beginnings, the characters are interesting and relatable. Tears and joy fill the pages. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
This book is three short stories about Amish families, their losses, and new love. The stories are heart warming and the people are realistic. I like to read almost anything Amish, and these stories were easy to read. The book is short, and could be read in an afternoon.
If you like Amish romance especially Christmas stories at that then this is for you all! Three of my favorite Amish authors in one book! How amazing is that?! I super enjoyed these stories as each family went through love, joy and many other different feelings. The way these authors wrote I felt like I was in each family's story. What I liked most about this book is you can read a story a night or you can read it all at once. Your choice. I couldn't help myself. I finished in just a few hours. I really enjoyed each one. These ladies have such talent! I look forward to their books so much! Five stars for a well written book. My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the Amish Christmas Twins, 3 novellas in a "twin" theme. I am very familiar with two of the author's works, but was new to Loree Lough. I enjoyed all three. It was fun to read about twins and all that surrounds them, especially the mischief!
The stories deal with loss, Christmas Spirit and are all heartwarming and enjoyable. Christmas is a joyful time, and these stories all included happy endings. I love Amish fiction and these stories were definitely good examples of this. I especially liked the second story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
The Christmas Not-Wish: 3.5 stars. This was a sweet story. I don't usually enjoy stories told from the perspectives of children in adult books because they seem stilted, but this one was done well. New Beginnings: 3 stars. Each of these stories deals with loss, but this one did a great job of demonstrating dealing with the bitterness and spiritual ramifications of handling loss in unhealthy ways. Twins Times Two: 2 stars. The plot was just ok. It bothered me a little that the author inconsistently made a point of telling us that it wasn't considered appropriate for singles to be alone together, yet she kept putting them alone together at the man's house.
This is actually 3 short stories in one book and each one is written by a different author. In general, I was unimpressed. I felt the first 2 stories lacked any depth to them and the only indication that these were Amish stories was the occasional use of words like "jah", "mamm", "daed", and "kinner," etc. The 3rd story kind of saved the book for me. It had a better storyline that seemed more in keeping with Amish cuture. Not that I am any sort of expert in Amish culture, just my experience in living around and working with members of an Amish community and the many novels that I have read.
A beautiful read about 3 sets of people who experience the the wonder and miraculous time of year that Christmas brings.
The novellas covered topics that you don't see in the average love story: foster care, adoption, grief, mischievousness, betrayal, and renewed love. This collection of short stories would be a great addition to your to be read list this Christmas.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by Kensington Publishers and NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.