A Christmas Haven - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

When Arlan and Magda Keim crash in to Raysburg's town pharmacy, Ivy Zook's plans take a slight detour.

Running a party planning business is a dream that Ivy wants to see come true. But the reality is proving difficult. Shedding the Old Order ways means she can create access the internet and listen to music so that she can fulfill her clients needs. However, leaving her Amish life behind could mean losing her family. It means leaving her Mamm to tend to the small dairy farm alone, a farm that her father looked after before passing away.

Not only does Ivy need to break the news to her Mamm of her desire to live Englisch and that she will be leaving the community soon but she also needs to time her departure so it doesn't disrupt her elder sister's plans. Holly is getting married to Joshua Smucker in December. And, she's also studying for her LPN (Licensed Practice Nurse) - something her Bishop approved but an issue Holly is unsure whether her fiancé's Bishop will accept.

Arlan left their 'ultra-conservative sect' (Swartzenruber) to get much needed medical help for his sister. He certainly didn't mean to drive in the pharmacy. However, when the Zook family take them in and provided shelter, food and medicine, it gives Arlan a chance to work through how he will return home.

With Ivy looking to leave a restricted lifestyle and Arlan whishing to return to one, the two immediately clash. From living with Ivy's family he sees a freedom that he never knew could exist - one that allowed him to be himself but stay true to God. They both hide parts of their lives - Christmas ornaments for Ivy, books for Arlan - and it's this commonality that breaks the barrier and allows them to understand each other.

Christmas is a time for peace, reflection and sharing a joyous time with family and friends. For Ivy, Arlan and Holly it's a time for them to stay true to their own needs and realizing that they are able to do so within their Amish community. Christ knows the path they have to take - they need to find it.

Another great book from Cindy and her daughter Erin. As usual the characters are sound, relatable and just interesting. The romance is subtle but nonetheless satisfying when sparks finally emerge. The scripture quoted throughout gives the reader further insight of how Ivy and Arlan view life differently and being set amidst the holiday season adds a magical, warming element to the whole story.

I'm a huge fan of Woodsmall and of Amish fiction. This story (far too short for me) was simply sweet and lovely. Characters from other stories popped their heads in here and there and the atmosphere created was homely with a sprinkling of Christmas anticipation. The author(s) have a wonderful way of promoting scripture without it being overbearing and whilst I wish the story was a little longer to have a little more romance, they certainly captured the emotions well. A great read for fans of Amish and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah as part of their Launch Team. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Like Never Before (Walker Family Book #2) - Melissa Tag

Sometimes I just want to write a one sentence review simply because any thing 'said' wouldn't seem to do (the story) justice. For this book it would be - 'I loved it, it has a bit of everything, read it you'll see.' However...

After what she deemed a good life is shattered, Amelia Bentley seeks refuge in a small town called Maple Valley, Iowa. She becomes the editor of the local newspaper but just as she feels she has captured all the pieces of her broken life, it's on the verge of crumbling again when the job she loves will be lost as the paper may close and worse still sold off to a bigger newspaper corp.

Logan Walker, speechwriter extraordinaire, still misses his wife. Widowed too soon his beautiful young daughter, Charlie is not speaking. An amazing opportunity arrives namely a presidential campaign. But there's a major hurdle he needs to jump first. The first editor of the Maple Valley News, who recently passed away, left him the paper.

Logan's immediate option is to head back to the Valley and make a quick sale. But in spite of his wishes he finds himself helping out Amelia with a story that she knows will increase sales. When the bright young woman finds out that Logan is the new owner, can she convince him not to sell? Will the single father ignore her pleas?

As in my opening gambit, this is a great, lovely, charming story beautifully told. It's utterly romantic, it's quirky, poignant, and so absorbing (I read it in one day). Each character has so much definition, you want to believe that they are out there living and breathing in Iowa. Amelia's divorce is quietly described yet the pain is deep. Logan's loss of his wife equally so. Yet together they find a mutual understanding of each other's grief.

Besides the romance, their faith has been tested and along the way they find themselves realizing that the way their lives are turning out is the path God intended for them. Tagg's descriptions are simple yet sumptuous, she has weaved a compelling tale that is akin to real life - it has it's ups and downs - this is not an atypical romance.

This is a story filled to the brim with family loyalty, faith, friendship, small town camaraderie and of course love. The only thing about reading Book 2 is that I've missed out on reading all about these wonderful characters in Book 1! A very highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group as part of their blogger program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.