Review + Rafflecopter Giveaway: The Amish Christmas Sleigh

The Amish Christmas Sleigh by Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard, and Kelly Long is a 384 page book in the Christian Amish fiction genre.  It is published by Kensignton and was released on September 29, 2015. Click on this link to purchase The Amish Christmas Sleigh.

I like novella collections, especially at this busy time of the year, and found this Amish Christmas romance collection very enjoyable. Family is at the heart of these stories. All three involve winter weather, precious children, romance, and end with a delightful sleigh ride. I tend to romanticize snow because we rarely have it where I live, so these stories were especially fun to read.


A SLEIGH RIDE ON ICE MOUNTAIN 
Kelly Long

For solitary toy-maker Sebastian Christner, hiring Kate Zook as his new housekeeper is simply the right thing to do. Now she can support her special-needs brother. But one taste of her independent spirit is showing him undreamed-of holiday joy—and making him long to give her a home for always . . .

My thoughts: Kelly’s stories always engage me emotionally, and that’s again true in this novella with elements like the death of an infant, Sebastian’s slightly mysterious Englisch friend, Kate’s handicapped brother, Sebastian’s making of toys and visit to a pediatric oncology ward. I loved the ending that brings the prologue with Daniel, Kate's cousin, and Fran full circle. A word of caution, though . . . Although a very enjoyable and clean romance, the Ice Mountain stories published by Kensington tend to push the sensual elements a little further than what we usually find in Christian fiction. Overall, a beautifully moving story.


A MAMM FOR CHRISTMAS
Amy Lillard

Bernice Yoder has far too much to do to entertain holiday dreams. Even if she can help Jess Schmucker outwit his three mischievous young daughters, it’s impossible to imagine the handsome widower can see her as anything but a scolding schoolteacher. He never guesses how a magical Christmas Eve will open his eyes to love or how Der Herr will awaken their faith and hope.

My thoughts: I loved the romance between Jess and Bernice, even if Jess is blind to what’s right in front of him for most of the story. Bernice is a good, caring person, so easy to connect with. But it’s Constance, Hope and Lilly Ruth who steal the show – three children who miss their deceased mom and attempt to take matters of the heart into their own hands in the most delightful and humorous ways. Amy’s writing flows easily across the page and I enjoyed her story very much.


AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BLESSING
Molly Jebber

As much as Charity Lantz’s children need a father, the young widow isn’t sure her new neighbor Luke Fisher can ever be the right choice. They’re having more disagreements than snowflakes in December. Besides, he’s never given a sign he wants to be more than friends. Can Gott show them a way past their misunderstandings to a forever love?

My thoughts: There’s something about Molly’s writing that pulled me right into this sweet story and I loved every minute caught up in its pages. Charity’s children, Josiah and Beth, simply tug at the heartstrings. It was fun to see Luke and Charity’s relationship start as friendship and grow into much more. But best of all was Luke’s bond with the children and his love for them. It was also touching to see the characters praying so easily, just like a natural conversation – which is exactly as it should be! The title of this story resonates beautifully throughout, as everyone found true Christmas blessings that came from God.

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Molly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women’s Christian Connection speaker. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice, you would’ve missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities.  Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becoming an author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who’ve been encouraging and supportive.

Kelly Long is the author of the acclaimed Amish Patch of Heaven series and has been a finalist for the coveted Carol Award from the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her novel Lily’s Wedding Quilt was a 2011 Goodreads Favorite Book of the Year.  Born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania, she’s been married for nearly twenty-five years and has five children. Please visit her at kellylongbooks.com.

Amy Lillard won the 2013 Carol Award for her first Amish romance Saving Gideon. She was also a Maggie Awards finalist. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Visit her at amywritesromance.com.









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