AMISH CHRISTMAS TWINS 

In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays—with fruitful results . . .   THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH  New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray 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 . . .   NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke’s love—and new beginnings of their own . . .   TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough Spirited twins Priscilla and Leora Schwietert have each been blessed with mischievous twins of their own—all born on Christmas. Nearing their fourteenth birthdays, their sons have asked for horses. Their parents can fulfill their wish—but worry they’ll be rewarding unruly behavior. The solution: A contract requiring hard work and an anonymous gift for someone in need. After thoughtful prayer, the boys surprise their parents—as each husband and wife rediscovers their joy in Christmas and their love for each other. . .

REVIEW

THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

I loved how this story and the others in the book focus on twins and Christmas. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to raise twins. In this contribution to the book we meet two sweet adorable children named Jemima and Roy. They have been shuffled from foster home to foster home. My heart was so sad for these children who wanted someone to love them and make them part of their family. 

When they are sent to live with E.A. and Will they hope that this will be their permanent home. E.A. and Will are caring and have fallen in love with the children already. When they tell the children sone exciting news, they begin to worry if they are going to be sent to a new home. With so many changes going on, the children think they aren’t wanted anymore. 

The story is such a great reminder to trust and let other know how much you love them. It is a special  Christmas as the children  experience what unconditional love is and having their Christmas wish come true. 

NEW BEGINNINGS BY RACHEL J. GOOD 

I loved how the story opens in a shop as Elizabeth was unboxing ornaments. When Luke shows up with nativity scenes you can feel the excitement in the  room. They have been carved by Luke and are the example of what Christmas is really about. I remember this year how much I wanted a nativity scene. Mine was ruined in a home that we lost due to damage this year. I did find a little one but I will start early next year to find the one I have my heart set n.  I envisioned myself there as the nativity sets were unwrapped and watch as they were displayed by Elizabeth. 

Luke has been longing  for Elizabeth for years. He knows she is still grieving over what happened last Christmas but he hopes he can cheer her up some  way. I wasn’t prepared for the  accident that Elizabeth was in and it shocked me. Thanks to Luke he saved her from being seriously hurt. Now with a broken leg how will Elizabeth be able to work at the shop and pay her bills? 

I love how the author touches on loss and how we can sometimes be angry with God. It is hard to understand why someone dies and Elizabeth is having difficulty this year with her husband who died. Luke tries to comfort her and explains  that he understands how she feels. Her husband was Luke’s best friend. What Elizabeth doesn’t know is that Luke has been in love with Elizabeth for years. 

At the ending to the story it is revealed that Elizabeth lost more than her husband and her grief has overwhelmed her. She felt safe enough to tell Luke and  his gentle spirit helped her as she decided what to do with the things that had been tucked away in a room upstairs. I cried so much as 8bread this and want to thank the author for reminding us that there are women out there who are alone and need help as they give birth. A beautiful story that takes unexpected turns. It teaches us about pride, being honest with our feelings and the  miracle of twins given to an unexpected couple. 

TWINS TIMES TWO BY LOREE LOUGH

The two set of twin boys make  this story so fun to read. The boys are always getting into trouble and now after someone was hurt by their antics, their parents have decided a punishment for them. They are to get up very early every day to help Jube   at his farm. It is a very eye opening  experience for the boys.  I liked how they stand together and work to pay off their punishment. Along the  way a friendship develops between the boys and Jube. I loved his patience with them and how he taught them valuable lessons. 

Abigail has had a hard time since her husband passed. It was not a great marriage but she still grieves for her loss. Her anger towards Jub I thought was wrong  but in her eyes she felt Jube should have told her what he knew about her husband. I was glad to see how God was changing  both their hearts and finding  out that maybe they could put the past behind them. 

I won’t spoil the rest of the  story so readers be prepared for a few surprises. The boys have certainly learned responsibility and shows in the gifts they give. Jube  is my favorite character because instead of treating  the boys as a nuisance he showed them grace and taught them how to help others. It is a beautiful Christmas story where two people also find that there is someone out there for  them.