AN AMISH CHRISTMAS BAKERY BY
AMY CLIPSTON, BETH WISEMAN, KATHLEEN FULLER  &  KELLY IRVIN

The four stories in this delightful book are set around a bakery. Each story is filled with  wonderful characters who experience faith, love, hope and family. Join the authors on a journey during a holiday that brings laughter, joy and unconditional love.

Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston

I loved the excitement Alyssa had as she decides how to decorate the big display window in the bakery. Christmas was coming soon and she wanted a display that would bless everyone. Her idea was wonderful and I enjoyed learning about cookie cutters. The hard work that Kyle puts in to make just the right cookie cutters was heartwarming. Who knew how much attention his designs would get?  As you read the story, get ready to find the urge to rush to the store. You will be wanting to buy every cookie cutter available. Feelings get hurt as Alyssa is more focused on the bakery than her family. It is a good lesson in forgiveness.

Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman

Oh my what a wonderful story this was. I loved Katie and how she stepped up in her family's bakery. With her mother recovering from surgery Katie is left alone to run the bakery. The bakery has always had wonderful reviews from customers and the wooden stove Katie uses to bake with is the secret to their success. I was overwhelmed with Katie as she continued to get orders in. She is juggling trying to meet deadlines and having a young man interested in her.

David means well, but is kinda pushy. He seems to put Katie down a little as her district is more strict than his. When Katie makes a decision that goes against her beliefs , will it cause the bakery to  lose customers?  Henry has always been a steadfast friend and wants to express his feelings. He is not sure if Katie feels the same, but he still is the one person she can count on. I loved how the author shows the commitment Henry has for Katie and goes out of his way to try to help her.

The story is one that will remind readers how important tradition is and what happens when you try to cut corners. Henry was my favorite character because of his integrity. Family and believing in yourself is a wonderful theme throughout the story.  Don't miss the special message tucked in the story about the woman and the loaves of bread.

Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller

Mattie has come to help her aunt at the bakery when employees leave unexpectedly. Christmastime is especially busy at the bakery and Mattie is glad to help. She loves baking and fits right in as she helps her aunt out. Everything is going well until her uncle announces someone is coming to help him with the expansion of the bakery. Just hearing the name Peter sends Mattie into a bad mood. There is animosity between the two and now they are stuck seeing each other for the next several weeks. I did chuckle at Mattie because she is very stubborn when it comes to forgiving Peter. She says she will forgive him later, but we all know God wants us to forgive quickly.

There are a few surprises in the story which I loved. Isn't it just like God to show up and  bless you when you least expect it. Katie's aunt and uncle have their hands full and I think they are in shock about news they receive.  The story is a wonderful example of true friendship. It is easy to not like someone when your best friend tells you how they were treated badly . Katie will learn a hard lesson in friendship and trust. God wants us to love each other and to always be kind.

Peter is a nice character who has gotten a bad reputation thanks to Katie's friend. As they say "actions speak louder than words." Peter has his work cut out for him to get Katie to see the real him.  Rumors hurt and cause people to judge others .In this story you will find a lesson on friendship, trust and forgiveness.

Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin

Ambrose is a sweet character. Some may call him simple minded, but I think he is just the kind of person we all want to be. He forgives easily and always looks for the good in everyone. When he is bullied by high school boys, he turns the other cheek. I loved how the author took a character like Ambrose and showed how he could do things  like everyone else. His qualities are God given and
Martha just might be interested in him.

Martha is a gifted baker and has the opportunity to design and bake a special wedding cake for Christmas. It will be profitable for the bakery and Martha will be able to use her skills to make the perfect cake for the wedding. She is bothered by the way Ambrose is treated by some and tries to help him when he is tripped on his way out of the store one day. Instantly I could feel chemistry  between them.  I couldn't wait to find out how their relationship develops.

Ambrose gets a big shock when his cousin comes to the farm with news . I felt sorry for Ambrose as he feels like no one thinks he can do things like run a farm on his own. Joshua has come to be part of running the farm, but I didn't like his attitude towards Ambrose.  Joshua is someone to watch out for and with friends looking out for Ambrose, Joshua will be watched carefully.

I loved this story because it shows how important friendship is and gave Ambrose confidence he needed to be more open with Martha. Her friendship is refreshing and I liked how she never thought of Ambrose as lacking intelligence. It is a beautiful story filled with friendship, acceptance and unconditional love.

I received a copy of this book from the authors. The review is my own opinion.