AN AMISH SECOND CHRISTMAS 

THEIR SECOND CHANCE
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray
Amish nanny Hannah Eicher never thought she’d see Rob Prince again. There was no way a relationship between her and the handsome English fireman could overcome her family’s objections—and their personal differences. But when he saves her from a sudden blaze, Hannah longs to see if they can turn holiday hope into a lifetime of happiness . . .
 
HIS AMISH ANGEL * Patricia Johns
She’s too outspoken to be a proper Amish wife. So as advice columnist “Miss Amish,” Maggie Lapp helps Amish and Englishwith their romantic problems. But when her tradition-minded former fiancé accidentally reveals her secret, Maggie will need more than a miracle to make things right—and find a perfect love for all the Christmases to come . . .
 
AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS * Virginia Wise
Rachel Miller won't let her disability keep her from selling heirloom plants and proving she can be independent. She certainly doesn't need reckless Joseph Webber working at her greenhouse to pay off a disastrous Rumspringa stunt. But she and Joseph have more in common than they think—and their surprising holiday partnership might just blossom into forever joy . . .

MY REVIEW

THEIR SECOND CHANCE BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

This is a nice sweet story of reconciliation and second chances. I loved how Hannah has decided to become  more independent and try to make it on her own. Her parents are not happy because they  want her to come home and be baptized. She may be Amish but she wants more than just living under the Order. I thought she showed courage and dealt with some issues with the help of God. 

Rob is a hero in many ways. He saves Hannah and her dog in a fire but he also has patience that it is a great characteristic. They once were a couple but things didn’t turn out well. Rob got his heart broken yet he still finds that he has feelings for Hannah. I loved how the author shows Hannah starting to realize that she had made a mistake with Rob. She also needs to repair her relationship with her parents. This is a wonderful Christmas story where we witness forgiveness and a relationship that puts God first. 

HIS AMISH ANGEL BY PATRICIA JOHNS

Maggie is such a great character. She is not the typical Amish woman and that tends to scare some of the Amish men off. I love how honest she is and how she wants to be her own person. An Amish woman is expected to marry young, have children and take care of the home. Now Maggie may want those things as well, but I think she intimidates men. She has a knack for writing and her column in the paper is a big hit. “Miss Amish” answers letters from people who are seeking advice, 

When her ex fiancée shows up to help her dad fix the barn, he isn’t welcomed with open arms. He tells her secret about her column which ruins everything for  her. She has loved giving advice with grace and honesty. Atley wants Maggie to forgive him, but can she do this without being bitter? I loved how we can see that there is a little spark still between them. I really enjoyed the talk Atley had with his uncle who is the  bishop.  Atley explains that God sent Jesus to save all of us. Maggie is spreading her faith by sharing it in the letters she answers. Didn’t God call us to go and share the good news with others? That  gets the bishop to thinking. 

It’s Christmastime and we think of Mary and how meek she was. Atley is passionate about having his dad see Maggie’s column as a blessing. I loved how Atley stands up for Maggie and gives her a wonderful Christmas gift. The saying goes,”opposites attract.” Will Atley and Maggie find happiness together? I loved this story and how the author explores how important it is to be ourselves and  not worry what others think of us. The  ending made me cry as I saw the importance of marriage and how we should “bend” for each other. What a beautiful thing to do for the person you love . Compromise or “bend” as the Amish call it makes for a string marriage. Merry Christmas Atley and Maggie. 

AN HEIRLOOM CHRISTMAS BY VIRGINIA WISE

I like how this story features Rachel who is in a wheel chair because of bone cancer. She is stubborn, angry and a little prideful. Her parents hire Joseph to help her in the greenhouse but he doesn’t get a good welcome from her. You can feel the tension in the air as Joseph tries his best to be helpful. What an awkward position they both are in. Rachel wants to prove that she  can take care of herself but now Joseph is here to lend a hand. 

I did chuckle as Joseph tries so hard to convince Rachel that he is only there because his parents made him take the job. A silly mistake finds him having to work with someone who doesn’t want him around. As they begin to open up to each other, they realize they are searching for the same thing. They want to be independent and have some control over their lives. The book encourages the characters to use the gifts God has given us and be content. 

This story has a few surprises and shared the importance of following your dreams. Rachel and Joseph learn to communicate and this opens the door for them  to share their feelings. Rachel gets two wonderful surprises for Christmas and Joseph makes a decision for his future.